At the venue where his ascent toward special status began, Jose Mourinho’s troubled season took another turn for the worse as Chelsea went down 2-1 to FC Porto at the Estádio do Dragão on Tuesday.
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But Maicon restored Porto’s lead six minutes into the second half and Chelsea were unable to find an equaliser, with Diego Costa hitting the woodwork. With a corner coming in Chelsea made the decision to leave men off the posts, leaving Asmir Begovic no chance to stop a close range glancing header from Maicon at the near post.
He told a press conference: “We watched dozens and dozens of repetitions of Porto taking corners“. We were completely ready for that and in a moment when the game is under control we concede a goal that is ridiculous.
“The second goal for us is a ridiculous mistake”. They are an incredible team and we are very happy to get the win, but maybe more so for the attitude and mentality we demonstrated on the pitch.
Last year’s PFA player of the year Eden Hazard was dropped to bench in Porto, while defenders Branislav Ivanovic and John Terry, midfielder Nemanja Matic and striker Diego Costa did not start the opening group game.
Mourinho, who coached Porto to Champions League glory in 2004, has now gone back to his old club three times with Chelsea and is still to win. Football is about today.
The result put Porto level with Group G leader Dynamo Kiev on four points after the Ukrainian side beat Maccabi Tel-Aviv 2-0 on Tuesday.
Mourinho had openly criticized his players ahead of a return to the club where he lifted the Champions League title in 2004.
According to Jose Mourinho, the FA and media want the forward banned and will try and derail his season in any way possible.
“The two mistakes that cost us the game, a game that was fantastic“.
Mourinho refused to rebuke his players again, although Chelsea were easily exposed for Andre’s opener.
“I know what you’re going to ask”, the Portuguese said as he cut off a reporter’s question. I think they are in a great position, but we also have the conditions to discuss the first place with Porto in the final match. “We have matches at home and we think we can qualify”.
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“Good feelings, happiness, self-esteem – players need that to play”, he added. When everything goes against you, it’s hard to have that feeling.
