Mourinho insists Black Cats deserve credit

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho insisted Sunderland deserved credit for their defending following the goalless draw at the Stadium of Light.

The Premier League leaders were unable to break the deadlock on a frustrating evening for Mourinho’s side.

But the Portuguese said: “They had a clear strategy. Many people like to criticise defensive teams but I don’t do that.

“To be a good defensive team you need to do it well – and they did it very well. We tried to get spaces but they defended very well.

“They had nine guys behind the ball, the wingers playing as full-backs. I praise them for their success in this clean sheet.

“And I have no negative words to my players, because they tried everything. We were not successful.

“In the end, one point for the team that tried and one point for the team that was successful I think was fair.

“We are not happy with a point, but we need to be mature and experienced enough to know that in this league every match is difficult.

“They played for the clean sheet and got the clean sheet. Praise them because they did well.”

Mourinho’s focus is now on next week’s derby against London rivals Tottenham at Stamford Bridge.

“Wednesday is another match and there is no time to be complaining,” he said.

“We move on and we have another match to try and get some points.”

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