Jose Mourinho turns on his Chelsea players after defeat leaves him on the brink

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Published on:

14 Dec 2015, 5:15 pm

By Editor Wayne Veysey

Jose Mourinho turned on his own Chelsea players, accusing them of "betrayal" for failing to follow his instructions as they slumped to their ninth Premier League defeat of the season. Mourinho conceded his team will not finish in the top four this season after they lost 2-1 at Leicester on Monday night. The Blues are marooned in 16th place in the table, one point above the relegation zone and an astonishing 20 points clear of Leicester, who have reclaimed top spot. Defeat for Chelsea, their second in consecutive league matches, has left Mourinho's job once again hanging by a thread. The Portuguese blamed his players for failing to carry out his instructions, highlighting how dangerman Riyad Mahrez had been left one-on-one with Cesar Azpilicueta for both the goals. "We conceded two goals that are unacceptable for me," Mourinho told Sky Sports afterwards. "One of my best qualities is to read the game for my players, identify every detail about the opponent. "These two goals, the movement of Vardy between the central defenders, the cross with the left foot, the two goals, it is a big frustration to accept. We should be two against one against Mahrez, not one against one. I feel that my work was betrayed, if that is the right word. "It's obvious we did not play at our best level. Players in crucial positions are not at their normal level. It is difficult."

Stats-tastic: Mahrez has 11 goals and 7 assists in the Premier League this season

Mourinho also made the astonishing claim that Chelsea's team of champions played above their level to cakewalk the Premier League last season. He said: "Last season I did phenomenal work. I brought them to a level that is not their level, that is more than they really are. We are doing so bad this season for some reason. Some of them are different. "Day by day in training, I have no complaints. I am frustrated by the difference between training and matches. I have to be honest with them." When asked when the top four had gone, Mourinho added: "Yes, clearly."

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