Jose - Spurs task impossible
Jose Mourinho believes Tottenham faced mission impossible against Real Madrid once they went down to 10 men.
By Chris Burton
Last Updated: 06/04/11 11:12am
Jose Mourinho believes Tottenham faced mission impossible against Real Madrid once they went down to 10 men.
The Portuguese tactician was delighted to see his side secure a 4-0 victory over Spurs on Tuesday, in the first leg of an eagerly-anticipated UEFA Champions League quarter-final.
He was, however, aided in his efforts to pick up a comprehensive success by an early sending off for Spurs striker Peter Crouch.
Real already led 1-0 when the England international saw red and they set about making the most of their numerical advantage from there on in.
Mourinho admitted afterwards that he felt sorry for Harry Redknapp's side, as they saw their pre-match plans go out of the window, with it always difficult to cover for such a loss.
He told Sky Sports: "We started very well, 11 against 11. We scored a goal and we showed immediately that we had the intention to play with pressure. We wanted to put pressure on Tottenham and we were in the right way.
"I know after that, 11 against 10 at Champions League level, it is an impossible mission. I played in Barcelona with Chelsea with 10 men, impossible. I played in Barcelona with Inter with 10 men, impossible. Arsenal played against Barcelona a few weeks ago with 10 men, it is impossible.
Tempo
"It just a question of the team with 11 staying concentrated, playing with a high tempo and not letting the opponent breathe. We did that in the second half, not so much in the first half.
"It is an impossible job. It is just a question of getting three or four. It is an impossible mission and I feel sorry for them because 11 against 11, the match would have been much better.
"Tottenham had to be defensive, with two lines of four at the back, and they couldn't play their match. It was good for us because we got a good result, but it was difficult for them."
Despite holding a commanding lead heading into the second leg at White Hart Lane, Mourinho insists Real will not allow themselves to get complacent.
Asked if the tie was already over, the former Chelsea boss added: "Not yet. I know English football well and I know the English mentality. It is not over.
"For you, it is not over. In another country I would say yes, but with English culture it is not over. They have belief until the last minute, so it is not finished."
