Mourinho: Chelsea will relish Anfield clash

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has insisted his side will revel in the chance to face Liverpool in the hostile Anfield atmosphere on Tuesday night.

Mourinho’s Premier League leaders head to Merseyside for the first leg of the Capital One Cup semi-final looking for a third consecutive away win against the Reds.

The 2-1 success this season came just a few months after the famous 2-0 victory in April 2014, a result which proved crucial in preventing Liverpool from winning the title.

Mourinho said: “We played there a couple of months ago and it’s a historical stadium – who doesn’t like to go there and play?

“Everybody likes it. I like it, my players like it and it’s only good feelings to play at Anfield.”

Chelsea's win at Anfield last season ruined Liverpool's title hopes
Chelsea’s win at Anfield last season ruined Liverpool’s title hopes

The Blues have three cup games in a week, facing Bradford in the FA Cup at Stamford Bridge on Saturday before Liverpool visit for the second leg of the League Cup on Tuesday week.

“It’s a good week,” Mourinho added. “The semi-final of the Capital One Cup and a cup match is always enjoyable if you play against a lower-league side.”

Mourinho urged Chelsea fans not to taunt Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard over the slip which gifted Demba Ba the opening goal in last season’s league game at Anfield.

Mourinho, who said failing to sign Gerrard was a big regret, said: “The song that my fans have I don’t like at all.

“A couple of times it is good fun but to go and go and go, especially with a player like him who deserves respect, I don’t think you don’t need that. We have so many other songs, you don’t need that one.

“We did everything to try [to sign him] and it was almost there,” said Mourinho.

“I was dreaming of Claude Makelele, Gerrard and Frank Lampard in midfield.

“I understand why he was – almost, almost, almost – coming to Chelsea. But he didn’t and I respect that a lot.”

Chelsea’s next league game sees them face Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, January 31 – a match which could see their lead at the top of the table stretched to eight points.

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