Thursday, March 28, 2024

English teams are second level in Champions League – Mourinho

SoccerNews in La Liga 13 Sep 2017

230 Views

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho believes that the English teams in the Champions League this year are “second level” to clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

Mourinho watched his side cruise to a 3-0 win over Basel at Old Trafford in their Group A opener on Tuesday, though he was not impressed with United’s performance, criticising them for not doing a thorough and professional job.

Chelsea were the other English side in action on matchday one, thumping Azerbaijani newcomers Qarabag 6-0 at home, while Manchester City and Liverpool face Feyenoord and Sevilla, respectively, on Wednesday.

Mourinho does not rate the chances of any of them winning the competition particularly highly, though, suggesting that while the Premier League sides are giving the Champions League their all, Madrid, Barca and Bayern are just “warming up” and benefit from having a winter break.

He told reporters: “I think the Champions League for these teams [big European sides] that you are speaking, and for Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern, I think for these teams the Champions League starts in February.

“Now is just the warming up and in February when us English teams, we are trying to survive after the winter period, they will be fresh and ready after these warm-ups.

“For them this is a warm-up. I think we [English teams] are in the second level. And the second level is ‘let’s qualify’.

“Let’s get the points to qualify for the knock-out phase and when we do that, if we do that, let’s enjoy playing against the big guys.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

SoccerNews

Soccernews.com is news blog for soccer with comprehensive coverage of all the major leagues in Europe, as well as MLS in the United States. In addition we offer breaking news for transfers and transfer rumors, ticket sales, betting tips and offers, match previews, and in-depth editorials.

You can follow us on Facebook: Facebook.com/soccernews.com or Twitter: @soccernewsfeed.

SHARE OR COMMENT ON THIS ARTICLE

WE RECOMMEND

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This field is required *

Join the conversation!

or Register

Live Scores

advertisement

Betting Guide Advertisement

advertisement

Become a Writer
More More
Top