Jose Mourinho praises players over West Brom defeat

JOSE Mourinho was full of praise for his Chelsea team after they opened their winning account for the 2015/16 Premier League season on Sunday.

The Blues defeated West Bromwich Albion 3-2 at The Hawthorns despite playing more than 30 minutes of the second half with 10 men following John Terry’s red card for bringing down Jose Salomon Rondon.

Goals from new signing Pedro, Diego Costa and Cesar Azpilicueta before half-time had the Blues in a commanding position before James Morrison’s second of the afternoon, just before the hour-mark, had Albion in with a show which was snubbed by a spirited Chelsea side.

Mourinho chose not to comment too much on the Terry sending off but rather the winning performance of his reining reigning champions.

“I have to say sorry to many people that we won the match, because it is a huge disappointment for many,” Mourinho told Sky Sports.

“I don’t think (about the red card). I prefer not to think. I prefer to do what I have been trying to do since the beginning of the championship, which is to focus on the game and on the result.

“It was a fantastic performance. When we had the ball we were always dangerous, and the three goals is short for the chances that we created and for the football we played.

“After that incident, with 10 men, the spirit and the organisation and fight in defensive areas was excellent, but also the intelligence to keep the ball away from dangerous areas I think was a great effort by the players. I am more than happy.

“I am not happy with four points from three matches but I am happy with the team.”