“It Was A Good Response” – Mourinho Happy With Chelsea’s Win Over Schalke

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, was delighted with his side’s 3-0 win over Schalke in the Champions League on Wednesday. Samuel Eto’o grabbed a brace, while Demba Ba volleyed in the third goal, to give the Blues all three points.

“I think it was good [response] but of course the first 15 minutes were difficult, we were a team without big maturity and stability after the defeat on Sunday. After that we played very well and kept possession in a comfortable way and after the first goal we played well,” Mourinho said.

“I know Petr Cech made a fantastic save for a possible 1-1 but everybody worked hard and made defensive work especially the wingers against their full-backs.”

Mourinho also revealed how he told Eto’o to close down Schalke keeper, Timo Hilderbrand, which eventually led to the first goal of the game.

He said: “I told him that. I know the keeper from Portugal and Spain because he was there and we know Schalke likes to play back passes and play from the back with the keeper so Samuel was clever in the way he closed him down.”

When asked why he left Hazard completely out of the squad, Mourinho replied: “I prefer to say that Willian and Andre Schurrle made fantastic work for us. We have a big squad, we have players with quality, players who sometimes are frustrated because they are not first options but when they are chosen they do so well.

“The other thing for me is Cesar Azpilicueta played in position which is not his first and he did so well. Let’s forget Eden because I didn’t select him and on Saturday he will be with the team. We know his talent, he will be on the bench or playing, but he will be in the squad for sure.”