Jose Mourinho brands Chelsea 'predictable' after Manchester United's FA Cup defeat

Jose Mourinho stated that “predictable” Chelsea “only played long balls” to Olivier Giroud, adding he was happy with the attitude of his Manchester United team, despite the 1-0 FA Cup final defeat that leaves him trophy-less at the end of a full season for just the third time in his career.

The Portuguese felt his side were the superior team, and that it was only the individual brilliance of Eden Hazard that cost his side the trophy. The Belgian was fouled by Phil Jones in the 20th minute before then converting from the spot.

“That’s football,” the United boss said. “I think our team did a fantastic defensive job without defending. We controlled positions, transitions really well. They only played long balls to Giroud to flick. When you play against a team so predictable it’s quite easy to adapt to it. I thought we wouldn’t concede any goal in this match. But of course Hazard is a very good player and he created a penalty.

“My opinion on my team’s performance is that every defeat hurts, but for me personally the ones that hurt less is when you give everything and you go without any regrets. I prefer to lose like today than lose like we did at, for example, Newcastle [United, a 1-0 defeat]. I leave my players happy with them. For me that’s really important.

“I knew the opponent I was going to play against. I knew they have a compact low block with lots of physicality where they try to close everything. I knew without a target man it would be difficult for us. I knew at least [Marouane] Fellaini coming from the second line, attacking their second line with his physicality would be difficult. I wouldn’t expect that the game was exactly like it was. I think it was a bit too much.”

Regarding Romelu Lukaku – who has been out injured for the last few weeks – Mourinho explained: “When a player tells you he’s not ready to play, that he’s not ready to start the game, then the question is how many minutes do you think you can. How can I convince a player that is not ready to play?”

Mourinho’s surly mood was plain to see in the wake of Saturday’s defeat.

“Well, with your questions I know already where I am and I don’t have a big desire to speak. I think it’s better to say congratulations to the winners and that’s it.

“I’m quite curious to, especially because now I’m on holidays and I have more time for that, I’m quite curious today, tomorrow the next couple of days to read, to watch, to listen your opinions.”