Mourinho rues ‘ridiculous’ Chelsea defending

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho said his side were punished for “ridiculous” errors in their Champions League defeat against his former club Porto.

Their 2-1 loss continued their poor start to the campaign and the defensive shortcomings that have marred their season so far were evident again.

Branislav Ivanovic was beaten in the build-up to Porto’s first goal and the winner came when Maicon was allowed to head home from a corner.

“We watch dozens and dozens of repetitions of Porto taking corners,” Mourinho said.

“We were completely ready for that and in a moment when the game is under control we concede a goal that is ridiculous.

“They hit the post from a similar mistake. Apart from that the game was balanced. Two ridiculous moments and we were punished.”

Chelsea were always a threat at the other end of the pitch – Diego Costa was outstanding and went close to equalising when he fired against the woodwork.

And the visitors felt they should have been awarded a penalty when Ivan Marcano appeared to handle the ball in the area.

Mourinho added: “The most basic thing in football is a defensive set-play.

“But we had chances after that to get a positive result and we had a clear penalty, so for me I am not here to criticise the players.

“I am not going to point the finger, but two mistakes cost us the game. The team played well against a difficult opponent.”

More reaction from Portugal to follow later.