“When we were candidates with Real Madrid we lost two semi-finals, and we lost two semi-finals with Chelsea as well”.
Advertisement
“I took him off, not because I was unhappy with him, but because I wanted to do something different”.
But he then proved a constant threat, testing Porto’s experienced Spanish goalkeeper to re-ignite a rivalry dating from their time at opposing Madrid sides Real and Atletico.
“Every team finishing second want to get us, they want to get Zenit [St Petersburg]”, he concluded.
Mourinho must overturn his side’s domestic troubles to ensure he is still in charge when the competition resumes in February.
While a successful defence of their Premier League crown looks unlikely – Chelsea are 17 points behind surprise leaders Leicester City, who they meet on Monday – Mourinho believes a fourth-placed finish and a Champions League spot for next season is not impossible. He was the subject of the first managerial vote of confidence of Roman Abramovich’s 12-year ownership on October 5, but fortunes have scarcely improved since.
Chelsea have struggled so far this season and arguably one of the main reasons behind the Blues’ hard run is due to the poor form of star striker Costa.
Costa botched his second opportunity a minute before half-time, shooting wide after narrowing the angle for himself by taking one too many touches from Oscar’s pass.
During Mourinho’s first tenure as Chelsea boss he landed two Premier League titles, but it was under Ranieri that Frank Lampard was signed and John Terry came through from the youth ranks, while William Gallas and Claude Makelele were also Ranieri signings.
“So a lack of confidence, yes clearly, but the attitude is very good and the movement is much better”.
Chelsea players Diego Costa, Eden Hazard and Branislav Ivanovic celebrate Porto’s own goal to open scoring in their Champions League contest.
“You might have eight players at a top level and three a bit down but this season maybe it’s been the other way around and it’s more hard, but we are still the same players from last season”. This season he couldn’t.
47′ CHANCE! Important save by Casillas right at the start of the second half.
“The first thing he does is to look to the linesman”. “They don’t want to go into the Europa League, especially with the last game [of the group stage] at home”.
“I am sad about the result”, he said.
Advertisement
The Blues are priced at 20/21 to win in front of their Stamford Bridge crowd, whilst Porto are valued at 3/1. “A great decision by the official on the goal-line; we never get that in the Premier League”.
