Jose: I'm not a magician
21 Jan 2007 - 11:12:02
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- Jose: I'm not a magician
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho admitted that he knew his side were in for a tough afternoon at Anfield, even before the kick-off of Liverpool's 2-0 victory over the Premiership champions.
Shorn of any natural centre-backs, Mourinho had to field Paulo Ferreira and Michael Essien at the heart of the Blues defence and Liverpool took full advantage, thanks to goals from Dirk Kuyt and Jermaine Pennant.
Mourinho said after the loss: "We knew what problems Liverpool were going to give us and we knew what their attack would be.
"But I was feeling we could play the first 15-20 minutes without conceding a goal to give us confidence and stability.
"But Rafa (Benitez) is not stupid and I am not a magician. We cannot do the impossible. Rafa knew how to take advantage with (Peter) Crouch and Kuyt.
"Crouch can get the ball with his height and Kuyt is strong and able to hold the ball with his chest and wait for support.
"It is impossible to play without central defenders in the Premiership, there are too many tall target men to contend with.
"They played well and deserved to win, but we also did well to keep the faith and play well in the second half. I feel we can come back from this.
"This was the game we knew in advance if we were not strong it would be difficult."