Jose Mourinho: “I’m sorry I cannot give more”
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has praised his side for reaching the last 16 of the Champions League, but also issued an apology to the club’s fans for ‘not giving more’.
An Ivan Mercano own goal and a second-half strike from Willian meant the Blues bounced back from Saturday’s defeat at the hands of Bournemouth with a 2-0 victory over Porto at Stamford Bridge that ensured they finished top of Group G.
However, despite securing progression to the knockout stages of the Champions League, Mourinho also focussed on his side’s disappointing form in his post-game comments. “The players were really committed to get a result, as much for their pride.
They didn’t want to go to the Europa League and especially after the last defeat at home, a second successive defeat would have been an attack to their pride,” Mourinho told BT Sport. “We are not lucky in the Premier League. Luck is part of the game.
In the Premier League every detail goes against us and it was a little attack to the players’ confidence. It was an important result for the players and the clubs.
“The supporters are unbelievable in their support towards me and I feel sorry I cannot give them more than I am giving them.”
Chelsea, who face high-flying Leicester City on Monday night, could face Paris Saint-Germain, PSV Eindhoven, Juventus, Roma, Benfica or Gent in the next round of the Champions League.
