Jose Mourinho has lashed out at several former Chelsea players that have criticized his management this season.

Mourinho's side have suffered a dreadful start to the Premier League campaign and were narrowly defeated on penalties by Stoke City in the League Cup.

Speaking after the match Mourinho was keen to defend his players and lashed out at those that have been criticizing the club externally in the media.

Mourinho said: "What some people write and say is really bad for the players. What the players did tonight is face some people that write and speak, and said: 'You are stupid'."

"Maybe they think my players are like them when they were players. My players don't do that, they tried everything. If anyone saw the second half the other day, playing with 10 men the way they did, it's a lack of respect for the players."