Jose Mourinho: Fernando Torres and Andre Schurrle were the most dangerous against Galatasaray

Jose Mourinho

Jose Mourinho has claimed that Galatasaray managed to claw Chelsea back in the second half of their Champions League last-16 first leg tie at the Turk Telekom Arena because the west Londoners two most dangerous players were unable to replicate their form from the first period.

Fernando Torres fired the Blues’ into an early lead and they dominated proceedings for the majority of the contest but Roberto Mancini’s men grew into the game with Aurelien Chedjou poking in from close range to earn his side a draw.

However Mourinho, who has been involved in a public spat with Mancini, reserved special praise for two of his side during the 1-1 draw.

“I think my two most dangerous players in the first half, Fernando [Torres] and [Andre] Schurrle were both in trouble in the second half.

“Nando because he was physically exhausted and Schurrle also a bit of that because he’s not playing a lot in the Premier League. But also the yellow card put him in some difficult situations and step by step we were back.

“But we were comfortable. We conceded a goal from a defensive corner but I can’t complain, the players were fantastic, we had lots of problems with David [Luiz], [John Obi] Mikel and Oscar. We were a bit in trouble and the answer of the players was magnificent in a difficult place to play,” he told Sky Sports cameras.

Torres’ best performances in the blue of Chelsea have often come in European competition and he did not disappoint when given the opportunity to lead the line, although as his manager admits, he was too tired to be effective in the latter stages.

Schurrle’s performance was a huge positive and his display highlights the strength in depth Mourinho has at his disposal, with the Portuguese hopeful his side can progress if the club’s support gets behind them in the return game.

“The result is not amazing but if Stamford Bridge can give us just 10 per cent of what the stadium gave Galatstararay it will be fantastic, but the second leg will be difficult,” Mourinho insisted.

http://youtu.be/2SiXS6nqSnE