'It was only three points lost,' said Scolari

Last updated : 27 October 2008 By Paul Lagan

Just as I am writing this from the press box. John Terry emerged from the tunnel and strode off towards the Shed End stand.

He did not stop to stop to chat, I could tell he was one very unhappy man - and who could blame him.

Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari let rip at his players following their defeat to Liverpool at home 1-0 yesterday.

He was furious that they did not following his instructions which could have preserved their 86-match unbeaten home league record that stretched back four years.

Their last defeat was against Arsenal in February 2004.

Scolari, however tried to portray a cool , albeit disappointed character at the post-mach press conference.

"I do not expect to lose the game," he said.

"But Liverpool are a very good team. They did not play better than us but they had one more shot, on target, than us which they scored from.

"We had more possession than them until we got close to their penalty area. We then put in crosses which were easily handled by their defence..

They put eight players into their defensive set-up and we could not get through, only from wide crosses.

"I'm not bothered by the loss of the home record - for me, it's just about losing three points. Today, we were not better than Liverpool. Tomorrow, I will speak to the players, show them a video of the match and try to sort out the mistakes in preparation for the match on Wednesday against Hull City.

"Of course, the players are sad, but it's not the end of the world, there are still 28 games to be played. Maybe we will go to Anfield and win then we will be level with them. Maybe they will lose some points along the way.

"These are the players I have at the moment - Perhaps I will have Joe Cole available for Wednesday. Ballack and Drogba, I might have in 10 days.

I expect hard games every time in this league. When you think you can win, you can lose.

"My players did not have the confidence to play the ball today - they resorted to high balls which I don't like.

"But they tried their best."

Liverpool boss Rafael el Benitez was naturally delighted, but again tried to remain calm.

"We needed to improve and it's a big boost for us for the rest of the season, " he said.

"Now we need three points against Portsmouth in our next match.

"It was important to show everyone we can do it here at Stamford Bridge.

"Chelsea have a very offensive side. But we kept on going and did not only try to defend.

"This win shows we have the mentality to win against a top side and to stay top of the league.

Now we have to carry this forward. We have to approach every game to win the three points.

"We have signed some very good players with strong mentalities.

"The new players are showing that we have competition for places all over the team.

"Today we had to stop their attacking full backs and we did this by playing as a team."