FA accepts Mourinho criticism of Wembley surface after Chelsea defeat

The FA has conceded that the national stadium's field of play is not yet of the desired standard, following criticism from the Blues' boss after Sunday's Community Shield The Football Association (FA) admits the Wembley pitch needs to be improved after Chelseamanager Jose Mourinhohit out at the quality of the playing surface. The Portuguese coach watched on as his side lost 1-0 to London rivals Arsenal in the Community Shield on Sunday, and afterwards claimed the pitch was "a disaster", as he fell to his first defeat against Arsene Wenger in their 14th encounter. In response, the FA issued a statement conceding that the condition of the surface was not yet up to the desired standard. "We appreciate the feedback on playability and will continue to improve the quality of the pitch, which we have every confidence in as it matures," a spokesperson said. "In this instance it is simply that the pitch is less mature than we would ordinarily wish for football, given the summer concert season and the early start to the football calendar." Wembley hosts the Rugby League Challenge Cup Final at the end of August before football returns to the national stadium on September 8th, as England continue their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign with a crucial clash against Switzerland.