City’s win a ‘complete fake’ insists Jose Mourinho

Jose Mourinho derided the margin of Manchester City’s 3-0 victory over his Chelsea side as a “completely fake” result.

The Premier League champions were brushed aside at the Eithad Stadium by goals from Sergio Aguero, Vincent Kompany and Fernandinho.

But Mourinho felt the scoreline reflected the defensive mistakes made by his side rather than a dominant display by City.

“It is a completely fake result and out of context,” said the Chelsea manager. “We were the best team by far in the second-half. What they did in the first we did in the second. They were the best team in the first-half, they control the game, create chances. We were comfortable with the ball but defensively we were quite fragile.

“In the second-half, everything changed. We brought our defensive line to the midfield line. We pressed them we created chances.

“We had lots of space in midfield. They could not cope. I am nobody to analyse the opposing manager’s work but in my opinion he felt we did very well because he felt the result in danger with his substitutions.”

Chelsea captain John Terry was withdrawn at half-time against City – the first time in 177 matches the centre-back has been taken off by Mourinho.

But the Portuguese claimed the decision to remove Terry was merely atactical switch and dismissed suggestions of anything more untoward in the longer term.

Mourinho added: “I am the one you shouldn’t ask because I am the one who played John every game, made him captain, recovered him from adifficult situation with other managers and had the right to say I want Kurt Zouma on the pitch.

“It was clear for me Zouma has to play, then I have to bring one out and I brought my captain and he was my bench and still the captain because the armband is just the armband. The point was not to take John out, but to put Zouma in. I want to have my fastest player on the pitch and not on the bench. I know they are going to play counter attack and long balls to Aguero. I want to have him on the pitch.

“John was not dancing in the dressing room and he was not having a bad reaction.”

City manager Manuel Pellegrini was typically guarded about the wider significance of the result and refused to agree with the sentiment the club have sent out a statement about their desire to reclaim the title.

“No, we are not sending a message to anyone,” Pellegrini said.

“I am very satisfied because it is not easy to beat the champions. Chelsea is the best team, they won the title last season. In football, nothing is significant until the end of the season.”

Pellegrini hailed Aguero’s display, though, and believes this season could be on the best in the Argentine’s career if he remains clear of injury.

The Chilean added: “He was 100 percent fit so I think the first 45 minutes from Sergio were an unbelievable performance, just the three important saves from Asmir Begovic didn’t allow ‘Kun’ to score three or four goals.

“I think Sergio is in the best moment of his career. He is a very important player for us. I believe this season he can be even better.

“He has improved a lot in the last few months.”