Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho says failing to sign Liverpool's Steven Gerrard remains one of the greatest disappointments of his career. The Reds captain was close to switching clubs in 2005, during Mourinho's first spell as Chelsea boss, but Gerrard eventually chose to remain at Anfield. The two sides will meet in the first leg of the Capital One Cup semi final on Tuesday.
"We did everything to try to sign him and it was almost there," said Mourinho. "I was dreaming of Claude Makelele, Gerrard and Frank Lampard in midfield. We were playing in a proper triangle without a number 10 and playing Maka in front of the defenders. Me, Mr Abramovich and Peter Kenyon at that time, we dreamed of that. His people were open to him joining a top side like Chelsea. But to me personally he never said he would come. Never. He Gerrard was always a red and I think the decision was right."
Mourinho describes Gerrard as an opponent he has always admired and respected: "I love this quote when he was saying in his life he would never score a goal against Liverpool. I love these words. I understand why he was - almost, almost, almost - coming to Chelsea. But he didn't and I respect that a lot."
Steven Gerrard is 4/1 at Bet365 to score a goal against Chelsea in Tuesday's match.
galata86 9 years ago
I think that it is great thing from Mourinho. He know sometimes to be arrogant but he have a lot respect for players who deserve it and Steven Gerrard is one of them for sure. This match end with draw 1-1 and nothing is decided yet but I think that Chelsea will win in next match at home and go to the finals where they will...
I think that it is great thing from Mourinho. He know sometimes to be arrogant but he have a lot respect for players who deserve it and Steven Gerrard is one of them for sure. This match end with draw 1-1 and nothing is decided yet but I think that Chelsea will win in next match at home and go to the finals where they will probably play against Tottenham. I think that Mourinho is close to this trophy and with his knowledge and team like this he will win it easy.
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Johnajax 9 years ago
"We did everything to try to sign him and it was almost there," said Mourinho. "I was dreaming of Claude Makelele, Gerrard and Frank Lampard in midfield - I can't imagine how great team will be if this three players are in it. Claude Makelele is one of the best defensive midfielder ever played this game, he runs a lot and...
"We did everything to try to sign him and it was almost there," said Mourinho. "I was dreaming of Claude Makelele, Gerrard and Frank Lampard in midfield - I can't imagine how great team will be if this three players are in it. Claude Makelele is one of the best defensive midfielder ever played this game, he runs a lot and he giving 100% every game and I don't need to talk about Gerrard and Lampard... Mourinho was planed that very well but Gerrard was loyal to Liverpool and I respect that.
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sharpe 9 years ago
That just shows how great character and person is Steven Jerrard. Back in that years when Abramovich was spending like crazy he reject all the money in the world to stay with his favorite Liverpool. I can only admire such an act and you can't buy everything Jose.
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seculla 9 years ago
In my opinion Gerrard is one of the "real" football players that are playing for the club that they love and they playing football with love and passion, not for money, like 90% of other players. He is high-class player and he maybe deserve to play in bigger team, and make more money, but all he want is to play on his Anfield...
In my opinion Gerrard is one of the "real" football players that are playing for the club that they love and they playing football with love and passion, not for money, like 90% of other players. He is high-class player and he maybe deserve to play in bigger team, and make more money, but all he want is to play on his Anfield and for his Liverpool. He deserve to be praised from every football player, manager or fan.
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Shumar4life 9 years ago
Gerrad is real captain of Liverpool, and I can't get over the fact that he will leave the club at the end of season. Despite some bad games in this season, I feel that he could bring lot of joy to Liverpool supporters, and I would be glad to see him next season in red shirt.
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Belmin 9 years ago
Gerrard is a very good player, he is playing for Liverpool have long and i think it will not go away from it never had a chance a lot, he loves his club and plays a heart for him.
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