Mourinho: I want Chelsea win

Real boss supporting former club

By Zain Alvi | 25th April 2012

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has offered his backing to former club Chelsea as they prepare to visit Bayern in a massive Champions League final at Munich’s Allianz Arena next month.

Bayern rode their destiny all the way home in a 3-3 aggregate draw that ended up with the German side beating Mourinho’s men 3-1 in the decisive penalty shoot-out last night.

In the aftermath of his side’s elimination, Mourinho defended his unsuccessful penalty takers Kaka and Sergio Ramos, as well as Cristiano Ronaldo, who failed to convert his spot-kick despite scoring twice earlier in the evening.

But more importantly, the former Chelsea boss maintained high spirits and sent his best wishes to both finalists.

“Chelsea are one of the teams of my life and I want them to win, but I wish Bayern a good final. This is the beauty of football. Noboody knows what is going to happen,” Mourinho stated in an upbeat interview at UEFA.com.

He added: “I expect a good final that everybody enjoys. For Chelsea it’s the second time. For Bayern it will be a second final in three years and it’s fantastic for them.”

The last time Bayern were in a Champions League final, they were beaten by Inter Milan, who were then managed by Mourinho.

Having also won Europe’s most prestigious club title with FC Porto early in his managerial career, Mourinho admits that having already enjoyed his share of glory will help him cope with this year’s elimination.

“Bayern won, they were luckier than us and I’ve learnt to be happy for them. Two years ago I was here jumping and now it’s their turn,” the Portuguese manager explained.

However, he immediately also argued that his past success as a manager does not offer much of a boost to the inconsolable players in the dressing room.

Mourinho continued: “We wanted to reach the final and I am sadder for the players than for me. We must be strong. My players worked very hard for two hours. We played to the limit.

“We have to react with pride. These players wanted to win the trophy. Reaching two consecutive semi-finals is not bad, but we want more.”

When asked to comment on Real’s progress under his management, Mourinho expressed his satisfaction and insisted that he will stay on to lead the club to more glory.

“Last year we won the Copa del Rey and if we win the league this season then that is a new step forward. The club is growing. If the club and the players want to continue, I’ll follow,” he concluded.