Jose Mourinho praises Swansea City boss Garry Monk

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has admitted that he is an admirer of Swansea City counterpart Garry Monk.

The Blues, who are reigning Premier League champions, begin the defence of their title at home to the Swans on Saturday evening.

Monk led Swansea to their record points total and an eighth-place finish last season, and Mourinho says that he has been impressed with the job that the 36-year-old has done at Liberty Stadium.

"It's a difficult kickoff to the season for us," Mourinho told BBC Sport. "He's doing very well and the club is doing magnificently.

"Garry's got a good team already but he's improved the team. It's a very good team and he's a very good young manager at a club that I admire a lot."

Monk was appointed interim boss in February 2014 before getting the job permanently three months later.