I've just watched the interview now. The look on his face when asked about Smalling and Jones I thought was quite telling, he immediately grimaces and dismisses them before going on about Mata being brave. He wasn't asked about Mata, but he immediately shuts down any talk of Smalling and Jones and bigs up Mata's recovery. I still think his angle is quite clear here.
I'm not even saying I agree with what Jose is doing. I don't, really. I think all this should be kept behind closed doors, and he could tell the reporters something very vague and diplomatic. Rightly or wrongly, Jose doesn't appear pleased with Smalling and Jones and their lack of availability, and I think what he has said today is, yet again, making that known.