Re: The Football Chat (cont) : Fri Apr 20, 2012 4:12 pm
Lord God Jose Mourinho wrote:
Fabregas had a couple of opportunities where he should have done better. Barca opened us up early on and we were lucky that they hit the bar. They really should have scored in injury time from the rebound off the post.
But beyond that, I thought that we defended exceptionally well, everyone worked as hard as they could and we frustrated them massively.
A lot is made of Barca's possession, but personally I think that's ignorant. If we went toe-to-toe with Barca they'd still win possession, but because of the way we set up we concede even more possession just to make sure we maintain defensive strength.
Us being battered? I really didn't see that. I saw the vast majority of Barca's possession being in front of us and not scaring me. Yes, they created chances but I think that generally we put them off their game and they snatch at the chances because they know they won't be getting too many chances and expect that there's usually two players closing them down soon.
I think the result was absolutely excellent. Winning was awesome, but not conceding an away goal was even sweeter.
I know that we could end up being smashed next week. I know that we are nowhere near as good as Barca. But in many ways I don't think there's any pressure because as far as I was concerned we were out after we lost at Napoli so everything has been a bonus since then. There's no way we're in the top 4 sides in Europe right now, so even if we do go out next week this has still been a fantastic CL campaign.
But beyond that, I thought that we defended exceptionally well, everyone worked as hard as they could and we frustrated them massively.
A lot is made of Barca's possession, but personally I think that's ignorant. If we went toe-to-toe with Barca they'd still win possession, but because of the way we set up we concede even more possession just to make sure we maintain defensive strength.
Us being battered? I really didn't see that. I saw the vast majority of Barca's possession being in front of us and not scaring me. Yes, they created chances but I think that generally we put them off their game and they snatch at the chances because they know they won't be getting too many chances and expect that there's usually two players closing them down soon.
I think the result was absolutely excellent. Winning was awesome, but not conceding an away goal was even sweeter.
I know that we could end up being smashed next week. I know that we are nowhere near as good as Barca. But in many ways I don't think there's any pressure because as far as I was concerned we were out after we lost at Napoli so everything has been a bonus since then. There's no way we're in the top 4 sides in Europe right now, so even if we do go out next week this has still been a fantastic CL campaign.
I actually believe chelsea will go through next week and make it to the final, where they will face a certain 'hose' mourinho and real madrid.
I'm not entirely sure how you would cope with that, the love of your life vs the team you love. I'd imagine you'd just collapse in on yourself or spantaneously combust.
