Mourinho's Rants: Man Yoo (h)

Last updated : 16 August 2004 By Rich Godden
Jose said "When Silvestre said we haven't got the time to create a big team spirit he was wrong. We were a team mentally today - and we had to win this match because of the three points we get against our direct opponent.

"And I think we deserved them because of the team spirit. If you have to play a little bit different to win a game then you have to do it.

"But I have to say it's maybe a bit unfortunate for Manchester United to leave Stamford Bridge without a point.

"They played well, weren't afraid of us, and risked everything at 1-0 down. Mr (Alex) Ferguson pushed me to make changes that normally I don't do to play a safer match - and in fact the team defended very, very, very well.

"We have to work every day as I was saying. Manchester United and Arsenal have great teams and have worked with their managers for a long time. We've been together for three weeks but we have this spirit and organisation and we play with maximum effort and quality at certain moments."

Jose also took the time to praise the fans! He added: "I thought before the game `this is an unbelievable atmosphere'. In Portugal we have this four times a year with Porto, Sporting Lisbon and Benfica.

"I think I'm a lucky person to work in the Premiership - and I want to stay as long as I can.''

Ferguson himself said: "I hoped for more from our possession, which we dominated, although our crosses were a bit scrappy and overhit. It was a good performance by us, we worked really hard, we can consider ourselves a bit unlucky.

"We had a lot of possession last year too and lost to a penalty so it's not been a good ground for us the last two seasons.

"But I'm confident in the ability of the team - I was before the match and I've no reason to think any differently after it.''