Jose Mourinho endures another miserable night as Chelsea crash out of the cup

Jose Mourinho watches his side slip to defeat

JOSE MOURINHO’S miserable season took another turn for the worse last night as Chelsea, holders of the Capital One Cup, lost 5-4 on penalties to Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium.

 

“A few months ago I won a few matches and I was champion. People were saying there are things more important than results,” said Mourinho. “Now people say results are the most important thing.

“It’s more difficult when you play bad and lose than play well and lose. We go with sadness but a positive feeling.”

 

Stoke took the lead on 52 minutes thanks to Jon Walters’ strike from outside the box. Loic Remy cancelled out that goal with a stoppage-time equaliser, seconds before Stoke defender Phil Bardsley was sent off for two bookings.

Extra-time brought no further goals but when it came to the penalty shoot-out, Chelsea lost for the fifth time under Mourinho.

 

Eden Hazard (left) is consoled by Kurt Zouma after his penalty miss

After Stoke had scored all five of their spot-kicks, Eden Hazard’s effort was brilliantly saved by Jack Butland. Stoke have eliminated Chelsea every time they have faced them in the League Cup.

Chelsea will be sweating on the fitness of Diego Costa, who limped off and was sent to hospital for an assessment on a rib injury. Mourinho, now 11-8 to be sacked, will be hoping the striker is available for Saturday’s match at home to Liverpool.