Walsall manager Dean Smith has spoken to the club's official website following Wednesday evening's Capital One Cup Third Round defeat to Chelsea, and has insisted that his side did well against strong opposition, with the scoreline flattering them in the end.
Speaking to Saddlers.co.uk, Smith said; “We can take an awful lot from the game because we played a quality team and at times we took the game to them. The scoreline was disappointing - it probably flattered them. They started both halves really well and the third goal probably killed the game.
"But the way we played, and the way we stuck to our philosophy, was a credit to the players. It’s one of those few occasions where we got beat because they’ve got better players.
“They showed their quality in the end. It was very difficult for us against the league champions. They paid us the ultimate respect with the team they played, and they paid the competition the ultimate respect. I wasn’t surprised with their team.
“Their success criteria is totally difficult to ours and is to win competitions - the League Cup, FA Cup, Champions League and Premier League. So they had to come here and get the win, which they did. But I’d like to think we tested them and gave them a game.”
SOURCE | WALSALL FOOTBALL CLUB