The Blues have let slip a 10-point lead at the top and Sunday’s defeat to Manchester United has now cut their advantage at the summit to just four points.
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“We were tactically very good and the players did an awesome job”, Mourinho, who pointed to the United badge as he walked off the pitch, told Sky Sports. “United were more aggressive, they won second balls and probably wanted it more”, Begovic told BBC Sport.
“I wasn’t able to transfer the right motivation to play this type of game”.
“This is a game between two teams that are in contention to win the league this season. If we can play like we did against Chelsea, then I am sure we can get through against Anderlecht and into the semifinals”.
But United made a fast start, Rashford putting them ahead after only seven minutes with a controversial strike after Chelsea had claimed for handball against Herrera in the build-up.
“We must understand this, that (something) really important is happening this season because we are doing a great job and a miracle if you consider last season and the problems we had”.
“No-one is going to give us this league, we have to work for it like we have done for the majority of this season”.
With this Premier League defeat, Chelsea is four points away from Tottenham. “We need a little more quality and different qualities in some positions to make the squad stronger but in terms of character and the human side I have one of the best groups ever”.
Chelsea have a favourable run-in but Conte is wary having dropped points in recent weeks, including a costly slip-up at home to Crystal Palace at the beginning of April.
The midfielder was given the Man of the Match award for his performance for United in the middle of the park as he created the opening goal for Marcus Rashford before scoring the second goal in the game.
“We all know you either go to the final or you don’t and so we must put 200 per cent to reach the final”, Conte added. When he does things quickly I don’t think there are many defenders who can live with him.
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Chelsea coach Antonio Conte was under no illusions as to how important each of those games will be.
