Anfield draw was a fair result – Mourinho

Manager Jose Mourinho rued Chelsea’s inability to make the most of their counter-attacking opportunities after the 1-1 Capital One Cup semi-final first-leg draw against Liverpool.

Eden Hazard’s first-half penalty was the only Blues shot on target at Anfield, while the hosts forced several fine saves from keeper Thibaut Courtois.

But Mourinho said: “It was a fair result. I don’t think Liverpool deserved to lose.

“They performed really well but we were in control and with a bit of quality in our passing we could find spaces and score more goals.

“We had a lot of space to counter-attack but we were not very efficient in our transition when we recovered the ball.”

Raheem Sterling equalised for Liverpool in the second half at Anfield
Raheem Sterling equalised for Liverpool in the second half at Anfield

Mourinho admitted his Belgian keeper Courtois was far busier than his fellow countryman Simon Mignolet.

“I really don’t remember saves from Mignolet and Thibaut had a couple of important saves, and Steven Gerrard hit the post,” Mourinho added.

“But we had lots of half-chances, lots of space to counter-attack with their team completely open.

“We recovered lots of ball but our passing was not the best. With a little bit more quality we would score more goals.

“It was a big game – fantastic. It was a proper semi-final. It’s so difficult to play here but I love it and it is to enjoy.

“The important thing is that it is now only one leg is only one leg at Stamford Bridge.”

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