Jose Mourinho Questions Critics Style Of Play

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has criticised "philosophers" who question his side's tactics in recent matches. The Blues' defensive approach was highlighted after a goalless Champions League semi-final first leg at Atletico Madrid and a 2-0 win at Liverpool.

Mourinho said: "Football in this moment is full of philosophers, people who understand much more than me. Amazing.

"But the reality is the reality. A team that doesn't defend well doesn't have many chances to win."
Mourinho, 51, could seal a third Champions League title with as many clubs if Chelsea can qualify for the final in Lisbon.


His side had only 31% of possession at Atletico's Vicente Calderon stadium in last week's first leg and 27% of possession in the win against Liverpool on Sunday to keep alive their Premier League title hopes.


The tactics led Reds' boss Brendan Rodgers to say Chelsea had "parked two buses" in an attempt to keep his side from scoring.

"If the opponent is very fast and needs space behind your defence, and you give them that space, you are stupid," added Mourinho, who said Rodgers congratulated him for the win on Tuesday.
Should Chelsea reach the Champions League final, Mourinho will face former club Real Madrid, who thrashed holders Bayern Munich 4-0 in Germany to win 5-0 on aggregate.

Mourinho guided Los Blancos to the Spanish league title in 2012, but Ramon Calderon, the club's president between 2006 and 2009, says the Portuguese was "not the right man" for the club.

"At Real, we have some codes of behaviour. A lot of people didn't like the way he behaved," Calderon told BBC Radio 5 live.
"Carlo Ancelotti brought something different and that is perfect."

Mourinho has been boosted for the visit of Atletico by the return from an ankle injury of captain John Terry.
He had previously claimed Terry would not play again unless the Blues reached the final and says he thinks the Champions League "owes" the defender something.

Terry, 33, was suspended when Chelsea beat Bayern Munich to lift the trophy in 2012 and missed a crucial penalty in the final defeat by Manchester United in 2008.

"My captain is playing at the same level as when I left Chelsea in 2007-08," said Mourinho.
"I think he deserves more than the Champions League gives to him till now."

Terry, whose current contract expires in the summer, told a news conference ahead of the game at Stamford Bridge that he was hopeful "ongoing" talks would lead to him signing a new deal with the club.