Chelsea not trying to be like Bayern Munich – Mourinho

• Posted on October 7, 2013
• by Nana Kwesi Coomson
• Comment

The Portuguese boss, who oversaw a 3-1 victory against Norwich on Sunday, insists teams must play to their own strengths rather than trying to emulate other teams

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has dismissed the idea of his side trying to emulate European champions Bayern Munich.

The German club won numerous plaudits on their way to a Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and Champions League treble last term under the stewardship of Jupp Heynckes.

And they have made an equally impressive start to life under his replacement Pep Guardiola, as evidenced by their 3-1 win over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday.

However, Mourinho, who led his men to a 3-1 victory over Norwich City on Sunday, does not believe that his players should aim to play in a similar manner, given their differing qualities.

“I think if you try to play like other people does, and you don’t have the players for that, you’re very stupid,” he said.

“I won the league in Spain with 100 points and my team was not playing like Barcelona was playing. If you try to play like somebody else does, you never reach their level.

“So you have to try to be the best in the style that is adapted to the qualities of your players. So when I say to Ivanovic ‘don’t make an early cross because Drogba isn’t there’ I know what I’m saying.

“We cross a lot for nothing, so we have to play in relation to the qualities that we have. Don’t try to be clever because you become stupid.”

Chelsea lost to Bayern in the Super Cup in August, with Guardiola’s team taking the trophy on penalties after a 2-2 draw.

GOAL