“I Was Not Lucky” – Jose Mourinho Blames Absence of ‘Goal-Line Technology’ For Costing Him a Champions League With Chelsea

Jose Mourinho is that soccer boss with the ‘Midas touch.’ Titles followed the Portuguese manager during his storied stints with Real Madrid, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Roma. Porto and Inter Milan were not the biggest favorites to win the UEFA Champions League. But that was until Mourinho stepped in. Albeit winning the UCL with Porto and Milan, he failed to win it with Chelsea in his otherwise decorated career with the Blues. Now, the 60-year-old has recalled how he could have won a UCL with Chelsea if it were not for a controversial goal.

The ‘Goal-line technology,’ which acutely analyses if a ball has gone past the goal line, was introduced to the soccer world in 2014. Earlier, when it was solely the referee’s call, quite a few decisions have gone wrong. In a recent admission, Mourinho blamed one such call for costing him a Champions League with Chelsea.

Jose Mourinho reveals how a controversial goal cost Chelsea a UCL

In his recent appearance on an episode of ‘The Obi One’ podcast, Mourinho spoke at length about his Chelsea stint. The host asked Mourinho if the 2004-05 Chelsea was the best team he ever managed. He replied he didn’t think so. “At Chelsea, I was not lucky enough to win a Champions League, which we could. We lost Champions League semi-finals on penalties. We lost a Champions League semi-finals with a goal that was not a goal. With goal-line technology now, we would be in that final and probably winning that final,” said Jose Mourinho.

Mourinho referred to Chelsea’s iconic Champions League clash against Liverpool in the 2004-05 edition. Then, Chelsea drew against Liverpool in the first leg at home. Afterwards, they had to face LFC at an ever-hostile Anfield. Four minutes into the match, ex-Liverpool star Luis Garcia gave the hosts a lead. After the referee allowed the goal, Chelsea players argued that William Gallas had cleared the ball off the line. If it were for the goal-line technology, the referee’s controversial call would have been re-examined. With the goal, Liverpool won the semis and headed to the Final, eventually winning the title in a match dubbed ‘the miracle of Istanbul’ in soccer folklore. Mou’s Chelsea then had to leave in the blues, but no, that was not the end.

Mourinho’s Chelsea gave Liverpool their biggest blow

Years passed, and Mourinho returned to Chelsea in the 2013-14 season. That time, Liverpool was so close to winning their first Premier League title in 24 years. The Reds were one win away from glory. Enter Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea. The side punished Steven Gerrard with a goal when he slipped on-field towards the end of the first half.

READ MORE: “Chelsea Decided to Sell Him”- Jose Mourinho Didn’t Want Mo Salah to Leave Chelsea, But Opted for a Loan Deal

At death, Chelsea’s Willian drove the last nail in Liverpool’s coffin. While Mourinho and the boys ended the season without any titles, their ruthless campaign against Liverpool resulted in a poetic justice of sorts. Anyhow, with his candid revelations about the past, Jose Mourinho has prompted soccer aficionados to re-read the beautiful game’s history.

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