Capital One Cup: Jose Mourinho praises Steven Gerrard ahead of semi final clash

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January 19th, 2015
Back Capital One Cup: Jose Mourinho praises Steven Gerrard ahead of semi final clash

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.

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