Chelsea players made critics look stupid - Jose Mourinho

Chelsea's players made their critics look "stupid" despite their League Cup exit at Stoke, says Jose Mourinho.

The Blues boss claimed their display in the penalty shootout defeat, after a 1-1 draw, was enough to undermine claims his players were not playing for him.

"What the players did tonight is face the people that write and say, 'you are stupid'," said the Portuguese, 52.

"You think the players did not give everything to win the game? That is really sad."

Holders Chelsea were beaten 5-4 on penalties in the fourth-round tie after forcing extra-time through Loic Remy's injury-time equaliser.

His Blues side had 59% possession and 24 attempts at goal - nine of those were on target, compared to Stoke's five. They also won 11 corners to Stoke's two.

Mourinho faced the media after the match for the first time since Friday, having refused to speak after Saturday's 2-1 defeat by West Ham and before Tuesday's cup tie.

Holders Chelsea were beaten 5-4 on penalties in the fourth-round tie after forcing extra-time through Loic Remy's injury-time equaliser.

His Blues side had 59% possession and 24 attempts at goal - nine of those were on target, compared to Stoke's five. They also won 11 corners to Stoke's two.

Mourinho faced the media after the match for the first time since Friday, having refused to speak after Saturday's 2-1 defeat by West Ham and before Tuesday's cup tie.