Mourinho ‘Betrayed’ By His Players After Leicester Defeat

Sojo Latinovic

December 15, 2015

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho says he felt “betrayed” by his players in the defending champions’ 2-1 loss to Leicester City on Monday night at the King Power stadium.

The Premier League leading scorer Jamie Vardy and strike partner Riyad Mahrez shot the Foxes back to the top of the league table, before Loic Remy came off the bench to pull a goal back for the Blues with little over 15 minutes left in the game.

Jose Mourinho felt betrayed by his players after defeat by Leicester. © soccer.nbcsports.com

Chelsea now sit 16th in the league with 15 points (just a point above the relegation zone), and the London side have lost nine of their opening 16 games in the Premier League.

Mourinho, in his post match interview, said: “They deserved to win because they were better than us during a longer period of time. I think we were the best team, I will say for 20 to 25 minutes, maximum 30 minutes. They were the best team for one hour.

“They were very consistent and very focused. They didn’t make any mistakes. They were aggressive with everybody playing high intensity, high tempo with a great mentality. It was difficult for us and then we conceded two goals that are unacceptable to me because I know one of my best qualities is to read the game for my players.

“It is to read the opponent and identify every detail about the opponent. These two goals, the movement of Vardy between the two central defenders then the cross with the left foot. Then Mahrez in the box one against one – I want one against two because I want the midfield player to close the best foot.

“[The] two goals are difficult to accept because I feel like my work was betrayed.”

Leicester players celebrate Riyad Mahrez’s stunning goal. © Sky Sports

Chelsea now find themselves 20 points behind league leaders Leicester City and any hopes of making a Champions League spot for next season are dwindling.

The manager couldn’t agree less when asked if a top four finish has gone, he replied: “Yes. Clearly, yes.”

The Blues’ next league fixture is against 19th placed Sunderland at the Stamford Bridge on Saturday, December 19, in what promises to be a full on relegation battle.