CH actually explained just that at a meeting with fans in March. He:
a) Praises the strengths of the opposition to the media. IMO this is common, and prevents opposing managers further motivating with “Look what he said about you lot”.
b) Whilst in the build up to games, works on a game plan...
A poor squad (PL level), with very conservative tactics, finally came unstuck.
Even CH admitted we’d been outplayed in the 3 wins in the autumn.
A lack of pace, next to no creativity, no players supporting the striker, fullbacks with mistakes in them, low possession stats ... it was shite in...