Yes it is a disgrace, but Chelsea’s FA Cup exit is a blessing in disguise

Jose Mourinho probably did not think his words would come back to haunt him come the full time whistle against League One side Bradford, but they did.

The Chelsea boss stuck to his initial assessment and called it a disgrace that his men lost to the minnows, and after being two goals to the good as well. That cannot be argued with. What can however is the fact that it is a bad thing that Chelsea have exited the cup.

Yes, it is a massive disappointment there is no question, and more than a couple of those players need to take a long hard look at themselves and ask just why they did get dumped out of the FA Cup, but in the cold light of day, the more pragmatic of Chelsea fans are not too bothered.

The FA Cup is a trophy their fans hold dear – little wonder considering how many times they have won it in the last few seasons – but it was a drain on their squad and fixture list this season.

They can go all the way in the League Cup, which will be over by the time the Champions League knockout stages really get going, with the final in between the first and second leg, and they have the league to contend with, knowing full well that five points is not a big gap. Add to that the fact that Mourinho expects his side to get to the Champions League latter stages and you have one heck of a fixture list.

Too many fixtures for a squad that rely heavily on the likes of John Terry, Nemanja Matic, Cesc Fabregas, Eden Hazard and Diego Costa.

Without one of those players, the team is weakened. Without two or more, they go to pot. That much is evident, and with injuries and suspensions racking up, not to mention the old enemy that is fatigue, the less fixtures the Blues have to really worry about, the better.

A replay would have been a disaster, especially with league rivals Manchester City going out as well and reducing their fixtures – which let’s face it, come the second leg against Barcelona could well consist solely of the league.

Yes being a successful side means more games and no one would argue with that. It is better to be in a competition and have to worry about rotation after all – but realistically, as much as Jose Mourinho will have wanted to make history and win the quadruple, the chances were remote. The treble however is very achievable – and without having to worry about the FA Cup, the Blues have a better chance of making that happen.

Chelsea fans. How disappointed were you with the FA Cup exit? Did you really think the quadruple was on? Let us know your thoughts below, become a guest blogger or tweet us @LaFootyettes.