Jose Mourinho: Chelsea boss criticises the club's support

Mourinho is in his second spell in charge of Chelsea, having won the Premier League title twice during his first stint

Boss Jose Mourinho has criticised Chelsea's support and said Stamford Bridge felt like an "empty stadium" during Saturday's 2-1 win over QPR.

A crowd of 41,486 watched Mourinho's men go nine points clear of defending champions Manchester City, who host rivals Manchester United on Sunday.

"At this moment it's difficult to play at home because playing here is like playing in an empty stadium," he said.

"When we scored was when I realised 'woah, the stadium is full. Good'."

He added: "The team then starts playing like it's quiet, soft game at home."

It required an Eden Hazard penalty to see off struggling QPR after Charlie Austin had cancelled out Oscar's stunning opening goal.

One Chelsea fan's suggestion to improve the atmosphere at Stamford Bridge

Mourinho was unhappy with the lack of intensity shown by his players.

But he was also critical of the subdued atmosphere inside Stamford Bridge for the west London derby.

"I was looking around and it was empty, but not in terms of people because it was obviously full," the Portuguese told Talksport.

"That's what is frustrating. Everyone knows how much I feel connected to this club and the fans.

"It's difficult to get that strong start where the players, team and fans at Stamford Bridge [are all together]."

QPR goalkeeper Rob Green had to ask referee Mike Jones to turn the floodlights on at a gloomy Stamford Bridge after 20 minutes when the game was goalless.

"I think the man responsible for the lights was in the same mood as the crowd, because everybody was sleeping," added Mourinho.

"He took 20 minutes to understand that it was dark, but I took 30 minutes to understand that the stadium was not empty.

"My team didn't play well or well enough or so well as I was expecting.

"With our quality I would expect us to be stronger and to get a different result."