Jose Mourinho admits his Chelsea troops were playing for pride to progress to last 16

Jose Mourinho insists his players were playing for pride as they avoided the Europa League drop

JOSE MOURINHO admitted it was a matter of pride for his players to avoid dropping into the Europa League after Chelsea booked their place in the Champions League knock-out stage.

Mourinho’s side booked their place in the last 16 as winners of Group G thanks to a second-half strike from Willian after a first half own goal from Ivan Marcano wrapped up a 2-0 win over FC Porto. 

The win came just four days after Bournemouth became the latest club to win at Stamford Bridge – and with the manager’s position under growing pressure.

But Mourinho’s side avoided another shock home loss.

And the manager said: “The players were really committed to get a result, as much for their pride. 

“They didn't want to go to the Europa League and especially after the last defeat at home, a second successive defeat would have been an attack to their pride.

"They were compact and always had initiative, they tried to win even when the draw would have been enough. They deserved to win.

"We are not lucky in the Premier League. Luck is part of the game. In the Premier League every detail goes against us and it was a little attack to the players' confidence. It was an important result for the players and the club.” 

With club owner Roman Abramovich looking on, Mourinho was handed the boost of hearing the Stamford Bridge chant his name.

 

And he added: “The supporters are unbelievable in their support towards me and I feel sorry I cannot give them more than I am giving them." 

Skipper John Terry admitted the result came as a huge relief after their Premier League problems – especially with a trip to leaders Leicester City looming on Monday. 

The centre-back said: “This was very important. With our league form being as it is at the moment, the fans needed that, the players needed it certainly.

“We gave ourselves a right good performance in a very big game, in a big occasion, and we needed to top the group. We are delighted with that. All-around was excellent from every one.

 

John Terry admits this result came as a huge relief given their Premier League problems

“In the league, we have been lacking a bit of confidence. In the Champions League, we have been scoring goals, winning games. We were very fluent and dangerous tonight — hopefully we can translate that into the home form.

“We go to Leicester now on Monday. But if we play like that we have a great chance of pushing up the league.”

And Terry reckons Chelsea – winners in 2012 – will be the team to avoid in the next round.

He added: “Listen, we are delighted to be in it, there will be a lot of teams fearing us. Before the game we would have taken this.

“We hope so if we can continue playing like that.”