JOSE Mourinho has said that Chelsea’s FA Cup fourth-round exit to Bradford was the worst result in his managerial career.
It was an old-fashioned FA Cup tie, full of noise, tension, rip-roaring goals and a thrilling comeback victory for the brave underdogs on a chilly afternoon in west London.
The hosts looked to be coasting after goals from England centre-back Gary Cahill and Brazil midfielder Ramires.
But a thundering strike from Jon Stead just before halftime rocked Mourinho’s side and when former Chelsea man Filipe Morais equalised in the 75th minute, the League One visitors were brimming with new-found confidence.
Chelsea’s defence was susceptible as they threw men forward to find a winner and fine goals on the break from Bradford’s Andy Halliday and substitute Mark Yeates sent the visiting fans, packing Stamford Bridge’s Shed End, into delirium.
Mourinho, twice a Champions League winner, who has led teams to titles in his native Portugal, Italy and Spain as well as at Chelsea, said the defeat was one of the worst of his career.
“I feel ashamed and I feel the players should feel the same as I feel. It’s a disgrace — a sporting disgrace obviously but still a disgrace.
“This happens to every team from time to time, but for me it’s the first time — it’s unacceptable to lose against a team form a lower league.
“We are not speaking about a team of kids so I think the selection was more than good enough and obviously the word disgrace is the right word.
“I could find in my bad feeling with the game and with the result… space to feel happy for them (Bradford).
“On one side this is the beauty of the FA cup the beauty of football.
“You should be very critical of Chelsea, the manager and the players. But the others (Bradford) deserve that we focus not just on the negative but also on them after such an impressive result.”
