The Special One after the draw with Servette: โPlaying in the playoffs is difficult, but itโs not a tragedy.โ
Josรฉ Mourinho is not satisfied with the draw against Servette and doesnโt hold back from harshly criticizing the players. โWe created some important chances, but the start of the second half is crucial for us and I keep saying this, again and again. Itโs a problem that we often face. Itโs a shame you donโt have a camera in the locker room because during halftime, I always talk about this with the players. Itโs only logical that opponents increase the pace at the beginning of the second half. We are superficial in how we interpret these moments in the game. โ
Some players have once again missed an opportunity โ The Special One said furiously. Even those on the bench entered in the game with the wrong attitude. I donโt think playing in the playoffs is a tragedy. Itโs going to be difficult, but it also gives us some motivations. I donโt want to make a drama out of the second place, whatโs more dramatic is the missed opportunity, it was in our hands to grab the first placed.โ
โIn my career I have played 150 Champions League games, every one of that more important than this one, but I show myself here highly motivated in every game and I demand this from everyone as well โ Mourinho continued on the Sky Sportโs microphones.
โHere, it seems like there are people who play these games superficially, they donโt care too much. And then there are those who are always there, focused for 90 minutes. Unfortunately, there are also superficial people and whatโs tragic is that they ask me to play more.โ
Mourinho acknowledges that for those who disappointed him tonight, it will be tough from now on. โWe have these guys, but they are also superficial people. They tell me they want to play more, but today I see them quiet. From now on, if someone knocks on my office door and says they want to play more, they will know that they will only play more when others are exhausted..โ
Regarding Cristante playing in defense, Mourinho said, โUnfortunately, there is only one Cristante. If there were 3 or 4, they would all play. Heโs a great example for everyone, playing with extremely high concentration and with full focus in every game.โ
โParedes also had a very good game, creating a lot of possession for the team. Heโs a world champion, someone who comes from higher levels and stil plays without superficiality. Then there are people who feel comfortable in this superficiality, and it shows in the results.โ