© EuroFootball.com
On Wednesday evening in London, "Chelsea" in the first leg of the English League Cup semi-finals as guests failed to beat the fourth division club "Wycombe". Despite a huge difference in skill between the two teams, the coach of the blues, Jose Mourinho, said he was satisfied with the result.
"I am satisfied with the result and the effort of the team, but not with the game. I wanted to win rather than play to a tie, but I think a draw in the first leg of the semi-finals away is a good result. We have a great position before the home game," the strategist said.
"Chelsea" took the lead in this match after Wayne Bridge's goal, but conceded an equalizer with 13 minutes to go, when Jermaine Easter scored from the penalty spot.
"I am not going to criticize M. Essien or P. Ferreira for the missed goal. As people who have never played as central defenders, they did their job well enough. Most of our players were in positions they are not used to," the Portuguese continued.
J. Mourinho also did not forget to praise his team's achievements this season: "A semi-final in the League Cup, quarter-final in the Champions League, second place in the Premier League, continued fight in the FA Cup tournament – I believe Chelsea is in a good position."
Meanwhile, former footballer coaching "Wycombe" Paul Lambert was pleased that the fourth division club managed to resist the current champions of England.
"It's just great that we managed to stand up against world-class opponents. After conceding a goal, we played amazingly in the second half. I considered the victory in the previous round away against "Charlton" as a particularly great achievement. However, this tie is even better. I am proud of my players," the home team's coach did not hide his satisfaction.
The second leg will take place on January 23 in London. "In the second leg, it will be ten times harder," said P. Lambert, but added - "we have to fully prepare for the battle and everything is possible."
