Half-time key for Jose
07 Mar 2007 - 07:39:33
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- Half-time key for Jose
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho admitted that it needed a half-time rethink to spur his side on to Champions League success against FC Porto.
A 1-1 draw in Portugal left the tie delicately poised and the visitors led 1-0 on the night after 45 minutes at Stamford Bridge, before the Blues stormed through to the last eight thanks to goals from Arjen Robben and Michael Ballack.
Mourinho commented: "I had a difficult half-time in the way I had to speak with the players, because, at that point, we were out of the Champions League.
"Psychologically, I just made the players think a little bit.
"I told them that, at that moment, we were out of the competition and either we responded to the situation or we were scared of it.
"If we were scared of it, it is goodbye and we are out of the competition.
"If we enjoy, let's play 45 minutes and enjoy being under pressure and see if we can cope with it or not. I think the reaction was very positive.
"My players showed a very strong mentality. I was happy with the change I made at half-time. John Obi Mikel gave us a better dynamic in midfield."