Mourinho cryptic over recent media blackout

Mourinho was conspicuous by his absence from his pre and post-match press conferences for Saturday's 1-1 draw, which came a day after striker Diego Costa was handed a three-match ban for a stamp on Liverpool's Emre Can.

A sullen Mourinho was present at his press conference ahead of the visit to Aston Villa, and indicated that his silence around the City clash had been intended to spark a furore.

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