Capital One Cup: Chelsea could not afford to lose, says Jose
WALSALL 1 CHELSEA 4
CHELSEA manager Jose Mourinho admitted that his side’s indifferent start to the season rendered the notion of a giant-killing unthinkable after the Blues eased into round four with a commanding victory at Walsall last night.
The defending champions held a convincing two-goal lead courtesy of strikes from midfielder Ramires and France striker Loic Remy before the League One high-flyers replied through James O’Connor.
Teenage forward Kenedy eased any Chelsea nerves before Pedro netted in injury time, as the Blues built on their weekend victory over Arsenal and continued their resurgence following an uncharacteristically sluggish opening to the campaign.
“When you start the season with bad results like we have, we could not lose against a League One team,” said Mourinho, who avoided becoming the first Chelsea manager since 1989 to lose a League Cup tie to lower-league opposition.
“You can do that when the season is fantastic and you are top of the league, but to lose a game against a League One team now wouldn’t be good for us. We don’t need that bad feeling, we need good feelings.”
Mourinho also refused to comment on the three-game suspension handed out to striker Diego Costa after the Football Association upheld a charge of violent conduct following an incident involving Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny on Saturday.
“I don’t comment. If I comment, bring examples, go deep and bring feelings into the discussion, a big suspension will be waiting for me,” he added. “I don’t want that, the team doesn’t need that.”