Mourinho: "We had to take risks in the second half to win"

Jose Mourinho analysed his team’s victory in Mallorca and explained the tactics he used throughout the match.

“We faced a team with a great coach that organised itself perfectly in defence. They knew what our strengths and our style are. They were very focused and all their men played together waiting for a counterattack. I think they had a fantastic first half. You sometimes have to credit your opponent.”

“I had the note I gave Peper ready in case we scored a second goal. We had to take risks in the second half to win and the note specified the changes we would have to make if we scored again. I know it’s hard to communicate things when spirits flare and the note specified the changes, with Callejon falling back to the right back position to balance out our game.”

“I replaced Marcelo because I wanted to use three defenders against an opponent with two wingers and a centre forward. I opted for three fast players: Fabio, Sergio and Pepe. Many times, one has to replace players for tactical reasons, not because they did badly.”