7 May 2007, by Sean Gillen

Mourinho: “I’m prouder today of my team than when we were champions”

Chelsea boss praises squad who “performed like heroes”

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho woke up on Monday morning to the realisation that in the first time in four years he has not guided his team to a championship triumph. However, the Portuguese insists he is hugely proud of his players, despite missing out on the Premiership title to Manchester United.

The Blues produced an impressive second half comeback to earn a draw at Arsenal on Sunday, after going down to ten men in the first period, but the draw was not enough to prevent United from reclaiming the trophy.

“I have to say that maybe I’m prouder today than when I was champion. My players are heroes. All season, against absolutely everything, they did brilliantly,” Mourinho told Sky Sports at the final whistle.

“The season was magnificent and I think today is a game to remember. It showed how big Chelsea players are and I couldn’t be happier with the way it finished for us.”

When asked if the best team won the league, Mourinho replied: “It doesn’t matter, what matters is the team with more points is the champion.”

“I have to congratulate the champions, the players, the manager, the fans, the board; all the people that help them be champions.”

“I’m very proud of my players. Normally when a team has a lot of success and loses a championship it’s lack of motivation, not the same spirit or ambition, but it was exactly the opposite. My team was brilliant.”

Mourinho also confirmed that his players will form a guard of honour to greet United when the two sides meet at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.

“They did it for us and we shall do the same for them,” he said. “This is not a time for excuses. The title race is over and Manchester United are the new champions,” concluded Mourinho.