Jose Mourinho attempted to keep his counsel after Chelsea’s stuttering start to their Premier League title defence, yet could not help let slip that he felt officials had “punished” his side against Swansea.
Oscar’s free-kick and a Federico Fernandez own goal either side of debutant Andre Ayew’s classy effort gave the hosts a comfortable half-time lead, only for Thibaut Courtois’ sending-off shortly after the restart to change the dynamics.
Bafetimbi Gomis slotted home the resulting penalty, with considerable debate whether it was first if Courtois’ foul on the Frenchman was inside the penalty area and then if it was denying a goalscoring opportunuity.
“We tried,” Mourinho said. “I repeat this for a long, long, long time, even in my first period here, because my record at Stamford Bridge is something incredible.
“I never played for a draw. Never. So if today we lose, we lose. But at home a draw is only good in special circumstances, like last year, for example, when we were almost champions so a draw against Manchester United was a good result.
“Playing with 10 men for such a long time is much more difficult and fundamentally I am happy with the quality they had in the first half and I am happy with their spirit in the second half, so we are in peace.”
Mourinho also did not appear to be particularly happy with referee Michael Oliver and his assistants.
The Portuguese was short when asked about a Diego Costa’s first-half penalty appeal and curt when answering questions about Courtois’ dismissal.
– Premier League fixtures: Interactive Infographic
– Team guide 2015-16: Arsenal to Manchester United
– Team guide 2015-16: Newcastle to West Ham
– #360Fans: Where to watch the EPL in the UAE
Asked whether that would be a policy this season, he added: “No, it is just because the first time I can control myself. I want to react this way so you don’t say he was (complaining) from day one. In day one we were punished, but it was not on day one that I opened my mouth.”
Mourinho also moved to explain why he was so animated late in the game when Eden Hazard had to leave the field – leaving Chelsea with nine men temporarily – after receiving treatment.
"I was unhappy with my medical staff. They were impulsive and naive," he told Sky Sports.
"Whether you are a kit man, doctor or secretary on the bench you have to understand the game.
"You have to know you have one player less and to assist a player you must be sure he has a serious problem. I was sure Eden did not have a serious problem. He had a knock. He was tired.
