Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho: Opposition learned how to stop Spain at the World Cup

Jose Mourinho Coach of Chelsea looks on during the match between Chelsea and Indonesia All-Stars at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on July 25, 2013 in Jakarta, Indonesia

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho admits sides began to learn how to stop an “inflexible” Spain squad, following the world champions’ exit at the group stages in the World Cup.

Vicente Del Bosque’s side won Euro 2008, World Cup 2010 and Euro 2012 – with unprecedented success making them one of the best footballing sides ever. With the Spanish one of the favourites to land the coveted prize once again in Brazil this summer, they faltered in the first game after being battered by Netherlands 5-1.

With at least a draw needed to keep them in the competition against Chile, they were also beaten by the South American side 2-0 which meant Del Bosque’s troops exited the tournament at the group stages.

Jose Mourinho admits that opponents began to identify Spain’s game-plan and knew just how to stop the reigning world champions.

Mourinho told reporters: “They scored one goal just with a penalty and they have zero points and they are already packing to go home,” said Mourinho.

“I think it is fair to say that there is a big responsibility in Holland and Chile (for Spain’s downfall). They did what I think in modern football you have to do – you have to be strategic

“Holland and Chile were very good from a strategic point of view, and Spain couldn’t cope with it in my opinion.

“People learn how to play against the best teams and when the best teams play always believing that their philosophy is the one, the other people learn.

“Spain was so amazing in the past four, six years – they were so amazing in the way that they were playing football – that people learn, people look, people study.

“Louis van Gaal was brilliant in the way he analysed and he prepared the game against Spain but today, Jorge Sampaoli even more.

“We have to be fair, and instead of saying Spain didn’t play well – which I agree with – we have to be fair and say Chile did an amazing work and congratulations to the coach Sampaoli.”