José Mourinho has conceded that finishing in the top six and qualifying for the Europa League may now be the extent of Chelsea's ambitions this season, following a 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth. The loss, which was Chelsea's eighth of the Premier League campaign, leaves them 14th in the table, three points above the relegation zone and 14 points adrift of the top four.
Mourinho was adamant that Glenn Murray's winning goal should have been ruled out for offside and that his side should have been awarded a penalty when the ball struck Simon Francis's arm in the area. However, his criticisms were relatively subdued, reflecting his exasperation at his team's inconsistencies. 'Before this game I was still thinking we could finish top four,' he said. 'But maybe now we have to think about top six.'
The Chelsea manager admitted that setting targets is impossible given their inconsistency, and called on his players to take responsibility. 'If our players are not able to give the maximum every day, that is a problem,' he said. 'The responsibility of the bad moment is mine and the players.' Mourinho also stated that he would not ask the board for new players in January, insisting the current squad must do better.
The defeat follows a run of four losses in seven league games since the club issued a public vote of confidence in Mourinho in early October. Despite the poor form, Mourinho reiterated his belief that he retains the board's support.
