Tuesday, May 3, 2005
Mourinho: The best team lost out
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho said he hoped Liverpool went on to
win the final in Istanbul later this month after watching his side
beaten in the decisive semi-final second leg at Anfield on Tuesday
evening.
Rafa Benitez won the tactical duel with Jose Mourinho this time.
(AlexLivesey/GettyImages)
But, in typical style, Mourinho claimed his team deserved to have
gone through after dominating possession for much of the
game.
'The best team lost and we are very sad we did but at the same time
we must understand what football is,' he told ITV1.
The Portuguese manager referred to the Chelsea's victory over
Liverpool in the Carling Cup final when the Reds scored in the
first minute but then spent the rest of the match defending and
lost in extra-time.
'This game was a copy of the game in Cardiff where one team scored
a goal in the beginning of the game,' he added.
'In Cardiff it was a wonderful goal (by John Arne Riise). In this,
no-one knows if it's a goal - not even the linesman.
'Tactics is with Rafa. He is responsible for them and they are
happy they reached the final.
'I don't want to criticise them but they played the way they
wanted, they fought a lot. I have to give them credit for
that.
'We are disappointed but at the same time I am very proud of my
players
'And from my heart I hope Liverpool win [the Champions
League].'
