JOSE MOURINHO last night threatened to field his youngsters at Anfield on Sunday and hand Liverpool the title after admitting the Champions League is his priority.
Petr Cech had to go off after colliding with Raul Garcia[REUTERS]Mourinho’s wish – which he said he will put into action if owner Roman Abramovich lets him, with a decision expected in the next 48 hours – will infuriate not only Liverpool’s title rivals Manchester City but also the Premier League.
Chelsea ground out a goalless draw at the Vicente Calderon last night in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final, but it was a result that left Mourinho with a host of problems.
Goalkeeper Petr Cech’s season is over after dislocating a shoulder in Madrid, and skipper John Terry will not play again until, at best, the final on May 22 after damaging an ankle, while both Frank Lampard and John Obi Mikel are banned for the second leg after being booked.
But last night Mourinho, right, admitted he had given up on the league, despite being only five points behind leaders Liverpool and insisted that he will keep his stars back for the second leg of the semi-final at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.
Mourinho said: “I’m just the manager and I have to listen to the club. The fact that the match is then and not Saturday or Friday is in the hands of other people.
“We represent English football and are the only team left in European competition. Spain have four and have given them all the conditions to have success.
Jose Mourinho is threatening to field a weakened side for the Liverpool game [AP]I’m just the manager and I have to listen to the club
“I know what I would do on Sunday. I would play with the players who are not going to play on Wednesday.
“I’m not the most important person in the club. Roman Abramovich and the board are. I work for them and have to follow what my club decide. But my priority is the Champions League.”
Mourinho added: “This tie will be decided by small details. We lost four players, two with injuries and two with yellow cards. But we will fight. If we have to play the kids next Wednesday, we play the kids.”
Mourinho had earlier this season castigated West Ham for playing “19th century football” after they earned a 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge.
Last night, co-chairman David Sullivan’s son Jack accused Mourinho of doing the same, but he said: “We don’t want the manager of Chelsea to comment on the opinion of the son of the owner of West Ham United.”
He added: “Everybody did a great job for us last night. Every player gave everything.”
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