Audio By Carbonatix
Jose Mourinho has refused to read too much into Real Madrid's second-placed standing in the Champions League group stage, stating that his previous successes in the competition with Porto and Inter came after finishing as runners-up.
Los Blancos had to beat Manchester City on Wednesday to have any chance of progressing to the knock-out rounds as pool winners, but Sergio Aguero's late penalty extinguished any hopes of them pipping Borussia Dortmund, who ran out 4-1 winners over Ajax, to the post.
"On two occasions I finished second in the group stage, I won the Champions League," he told Sky Sports.
"I finished behind Real Madrid with Porto and we won, and with Inter I finished behind Barcelona and won.
"The other times I finished first, I never won the competition. My experience proves that it doesn't mean so much.
"I think the teams that finished first did well, but after that they are waiting for an opponent who, in principle, are easier for them to overcome, only to discover that they get Real Madrid in the draw."
Mourinho then reflected on Madrid's 1-1 draw against the English champions and was disappointed not to have come away from the match with more than a point, despite a dominant performance.
"I think [we deserved to win], because we had plenty of chances to score the second goal, and if you do that in the first half, the match should be over early on," he continued.
"But we didn't score. They reacted and got the penalty that you on television are in a better position to judge.
"Arbeloa was shown a red card. Again, you are on TV and in a better position to analyse the situation. After that, we were in no position to win and we played for the point to progress to the next round."
The 49-year-old's previous club Chelsea sacked Champions League-winning coach Roberto Di Matteo earlier in the day, but while he sympathises with the Italian, he will offer his unrequited backing to former rival Rafa Benitez.
"That's football," he admitted. "I'm never happy when a manager is sacked because it can happen to me and it's a feeling that nobody wants to have.
"At the same time, everybody knows I like Chelsea and I'll support any Chelsea manager, the same way I supported Roberto and I wished him to do well. I'll do the same for the next manager."
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Kenyasi assault case: Woman handed 15-month jail term for injuring child
17 minutes -
Mahama’s trust well placed, I remain focused on fixing education – Haruna Iddrisu
32 minutes -
IGP Yohuno promotes 13 senior officers in recognition of exemplary service
34 minutes -
Miss Health Organisation unveils new Miss Health Africa and Ghana queens
1 hour -
Andy Dosty set to headline inaugural Ghana Independence Day celebrations in Europe
2 hours -
GoldBod rejects IMF claims of $214m losses under gold-for-reserves programme
2 hours -
Some MMDCEs reject uniform 24-Hour Economy Market model, seek flexible options
2 hours -
Government to reform cultural, creative sector policies
2 hours -
Illegal farming ravages Chai River forest reserve
2 hours -
Christmas should inspire unity and national renewal – Prof Opoku-Agyemang
2 hours -
Ashanti Region: NADMO prioritises preventive measures to reduce road carnage
2 hours -
Mahama pledges reset, growth and jobs for all Ghanaians in Christmas message
2 hours -
13 inmates at Nsawam Prison granted bail under the Justice For All Programme Â
2 hours -
We invited a man into our home at Christmas and he stayed with us for 45 years
2 hours -
From uncertainty to clarity: Ghana draws the line on digital assets
3 hours
