Jose Mourinho delivered a damning verdict on his strike force as Chelsea crashed to a 3-1 defeat at Parc de Princes in the first leg of the Champions League Quarter finals.
A well-taken Ezequiel Lavezzi strike, a David Luiz own goal and a superb solo effort from Javier Pastore condemned the Blues to a convincing defeat in Paris, with Eden Hazard converting a 27th-minute penalty. The Portuguese boss was disappointed with the way his players defended throughout the match, and believed that a lack of concentration cost them the game.
Speaking to Sky Sports about Chelsea’s defensive performance the Portugese said “I say ridiculous. You say sloppy, I say ridiculous.â€
He also issued a scathing assessment of the Blues’ strikers. Despite costly errors from Brazillian defender David Luiz and club captain John Terry, Mourinho instead publicly vented his anger at his strike force who have been a problem area for the Blues all season.
“Im not happy with my strike force so I have to try things.â€
“With Andre, at least, I know we have one more player to have the ball. He’s not a striker but the team can have control of the ball possession.â€
“But football is not just about that. It’s also about scoring goals, getting behind, and that is for strikers, real strikers. And I had to try.â€
Despite the loss, Mourinho suggested the tie wasn’t over but admitted they do face an uphill task to qualify for the Champions League Semi Finals.
“I have nothing to lose now, we have to play thinking that it is possible (qualifying). And to be fair I don’t think that Paris think that is done. It’s a difficult job but nothing is impossible in footballâ€
“I think they feel that they are in a good position, but I think they know that it is not overâ€
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