John Terry leaves the pitch in tears after seeing Chelsea knocked out of the Champions League[GETTY]But team-mate Eden Hazard’s assessment on French TV was as stark as it was unemotional. “Chelsea are not set up to play football,” he said simply.
The Chelsea playmaker, clearly struggling for match fitness after three weeks on the sidelines, felt his side were restricted to counter-attacking, a ploy that appeared to be working when Fernando Torres’s deflected opener gave Chelsea the lead after 34 minutes.
But in the final reckoning, manager Jose Mourinho felt his dreams of landing a third Champions League medal went in 60 seconds.
Atletico had already equalised through Adrian Lopez before half-time when Chelsea once again threatened early in the second period. “I think the difference was one minute in the second half, where the Atletico goalkeeper makes an impossible save from John Terry’s header, and instead of 2-1 to Chelsea, a few seconds later a penalty,” said Mourinho – although in reality the gap between the incidents was closer to six minutes.
For once, the Chelsea manager was not about to criticise officials for the decision, but it was no less palatable for that.
“I’m happy people tell me it was a penalty,” he said. “And they scored to go 2-1 up. In one minute, two actions decided the game.
Terry is comforted by Atletico Madrid midfielder Tiago - who used to play at Chelsea [PA]I’m happy people tell me it was a penalty. And they scored to go 2-1 up. In one minute, two actions decided the game.
“After that, there was only one team on the pitch. My team played with pride, honour and professionalism, but after that moment the game was controlled by Atletico – very mature and professional – complete control.” The irony that Mourinho failed to mention is that Atletico’s keeper is a Chelsea player – on-loan Thibaut Courtois.
And his opposite number Diego Simeone admitted Courtois may soon be heading back to Stamford Bridge.
“Just right now I am experiencing this moment and relishing it,” said Simeone.
“But I’m sure the directors of the club will decide what’s best for this young lad and we’ll see whether he stays at Atletico or not.” Courtois’ return could be part of a Chelsea rebuilding process that Mourinho reiterated could take three years after his side looked to have finished his first season back in the Premier League without a trophy
“The big difference between Atletico and Chelsea is the difference between one year and three,” he said.
“That’s big. We are realistic. But at the same time we are optimistic. When things go in a certain direction, there is a moment where you can dream and you think that things are possible, even if things are not so.
Terry's brave header almost brought a goal but Thibaut Courtois saved [REUTERS]“Because we did well in the Champions League and in the Premier League, there was a moment where we felt we could do it.
“We knew we were facing teams with more potential than us and more ready than us to win the competition, but because you go step by step and beat PSG after a 3-1 defeat in the first leg, you build your dream.
“Every one of my players tried the maximum – we had so many problems. But the players gave everything. I’m happy with them. They can go home sad, but with clear faces.
“They did their work well. They lost – but against a very good team.”
That will be little consolation to Terry, who could be on his way out. He must wait to see if he is offered a new contract before he can be sure of another European campaign with Chelsea.
He left Stamford Bridge without talking to the media having seemed less than 100 per cent fit after battling back from an ankle injury picked up in the first leg in Madrid last Tuesday.
However, the club will not make a final decision on his future until after the season has finished on May 11.
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