Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho admitted he feels “betrayed” by his Blues players after their 2-1 defeat to Leicester City and declared that a top four place was now out of his thinking.
Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez fired Claudio Ranieri’s team ahead and, despite Loic Remy’s 77th-minute header, the defending champions were unable to salvage a result.
The Portuguese believes his team are not following his instructions to an acceptable level and suggests they overachieved in winning the title last season.
“We conceded two goals that are unacceptable for me. I know one of my best qualities is to read the game for my players, to identify every detail about the opponent,” Mourinho told Sky Sports.
“I feel that my work was betrayed. It’s difficult for us to score goals when you have players who are not in their best level.
When you have some players, especially in
crucial positions, it’s difficult.
“It’s hard. All last season I did phenomenal work and I brought them to a level that is more than they really are.”
On his future Mourinho was defiant.
“I am surprised this is always the last question. I want to stay. I hope the board and Mr Abramovich want me to stay,” he said.
The frustrated Portuguese admitted he does not think his side will be able to finish in one of the Champions League qualification spots, which they are now 14 points adrift of.
“The top four is gone – clearly,” he said. “We were the best team for 20-25 minutes, maybe for a maximum of 30 minutes. They were best team for an hour.
“To turn things around, I know only one way – working at the top level. Day by day in training I have no complaints with them.
“But is it frustrating to see what they are doing in training and what they do in matches.”
Chelsea lost Eden Hazard to injury in the first half and Mourinho confirmed it was the player’s choice to leave the pitch.
“He made the decision to come off, so it must be
serious,” he added.
“His first reaction was ‘I can’t continue’, his second reaction was ‘I want to try’, but after his first step back he said he couldn’t.
“He’s injured clearly. He tried, but he felt it
immediately.”
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