Mourinho tactics under spotlight against rampant Atletico Madrid
Chelsea midfielder David Luiz (L) tussles with Atletico defender Filipe Luis during the Uefa Champions League first leg semi-final football match at the Vicente Calderon stadium last week. Both teams clash in the return at Stamford Bridge tonight. PHOTO BY AFP
What you need to know:
Mourinho is aiming to become the first man to reach the Champions League final with three different clubs.
London- Jose Mourinho’s tactical nous will once more be under the spotlight when Chelsea meet rampant Atletico Madrid in the Uefa Champions League at Stamford Bridge tonight.
Chelsea manager Mourinho was accused of “parking two buses” by Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers, as Chelsea triumphed 2-0 at Anfield on Sunday to reinvigorate their Premier League title hopes.
That came just five days after the Portuguese had seen his side produce a back-to-the-walls performance in the 0-0 Champions League semi-final first leg at Vicente Calderon.
Now, Mourinho will face scrutiny once more as he prepares for the second leg against an Atletico side who are the only unbeaten side remaining in this season’s Champions League.
Mourinho’s team selection is will also come under the microscope. Ahead of the Liverpool showdown, he had threatened to name a weakened side.
An expectant Stamford Bridge crowd will demand a more expansive approach on home soil with Eden Hazard and Samuel Eto’o, John Terry and Peter Cech remain doubtful for the tie despite training yesterday.
Chelsea are also without suspended midfield duo Frank Lampard and John Obi Mikel, ineligible January signings Nemanja Matic and Mohamed Salah.
Intriguingly, the match pits the last two winners of the Uefa Europa League against each other, and both teams will be going all out to succeed on Europe’s biggest stage. The final will be held in Lisbon on May 24.
