Jose Mourinho: Chelsea have surprised me, this is why

Jose Mourinho has admitted that he has been “surprised” by Chelsea’s tactical approach under Antonio Conte this season.

The Blues have been the Premier League’s standout team this season following Conte’s arrival at the west London club last summer.

Conte was brought in as Mourinho’s permanent successor at Stamford Bridge last year after Chelsea slumped to a 10th-placed finish in the Premier League.

Chelsea secured their place in the semi-finals of the FA Cup on Monday night with a 1-0 win over Mourinho’s Manchester United side at Stamford Bridge.

Mourinho was asked about his take on how Chelsea have started the season by BBC Sport in the build-up to Monday’s game.

And the Portuguese coach admitted that he has been surprised by Chelsea’s approach this season.

Mourinho told BBC Sport: “I’m surprised with the way they play.

“I’m surprised because I thought they were demanding of a different kind of football.

“Chelsea is an amazing defensive team.

“I think they are very good defensively and they have fantastic players to be a counter-attacking team to kill opponents with three or four players.”

Chelsea are currently gearing up for their Premier League clash against Stoke City on Saturday afternoon as they bid to take a step closer towards winning the title.