Jose bemoans defensive shortcomings
Saturday, 20 Jan 2007 20:08
Mourinho is bemused by defensive problems
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Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho admitted that his make-shift defence was not up to job after he watched his side slump to a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield.
With John Terry, Ricardo Carvalho and Khalid Boulahrouz all out injured the Portuguese coach paired Michael Essien and Paulo Ferreira in the middle of the backline, but he conceded the experiment had failed.
"First of all it is obvious that we have a big defensive mistake as the players are not adapted in the positions," he said.
"They [Liverpool] are not stupid, they are intelligent people and they know where our weak point is and they have to play through it - and that is why they played two big guys up-front, it is simple we cannot cope with it.
"I was waiting for 15 to 20 minutes - no goals and then confidence arriving and people adapting but when the team is fragile, on the pitch and mentally, to consider a goal in the first few minutes of the game is difficult."
When quizzed about the possibility of bringing in some defensive cover before the transfer window closes at the end of the month, Mourinho was cagey.
"I don't want to speak about it, the market is open for ten days, but it has been open for the first 20 and we didn't get one [centre-half] - so why should we get one now?" he said.
His opposite number, Rafael Benitez was understandably delighted at his team's win, claiming they had secured victory through their own excellent performance rather than Chelsea's frailties.
"I was confident when I saw my team sheet. I thought we did a very good job and deserved to win," the Spaniard said.
"We have three more points and I'm really happy with the situation. We have Manchester United and Arsenal at home, we have confidence and we are playing well."