Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has backtracked on the comments he made about West Ham United's style of football and described them as "silly words".

Mourinho criticised Sam Allardyce's tactics back in January, describing the Hammers' style of play as "football from the 19th century" after the Blues were held to a goalless draw at Stamford Bridge.

Since then, Mourinho has refuted the comments and even insists that he is a fan of the Hammers boss and that he has his respect.

"Chelsea is top of the league and deserves it and after us West Ham, because to be fourth for a team that everybody was expecting them to fight for survival, I think is a fantastic achievement," the 51-year-old told Sky Sports News.

"Both teams are different than last season. We are a better team, we have more creativity and more goals, we have more attacking dynamic, and West Ham is also a better team.

"He has my respect. Last season I had a couple of words about the fact they started winning time after two minutes of the game, which I don't like. But I respect him as a coach. As a person he's a very good guy, but as a coach he has a beautiful career and I'm very happy that he's doing well with West Ham."

West Ham travel to Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day and will be looking to continue their stay in the Premier League's top four.