Tuesday, 28th October, 2014
Jose Mourinho has lavished praise on his side for their hard-fought 2-1 League Cup victory away at Shrewsbury Town tonight, the match played in wet conditions and in front of a passionate crowd.
Chelsea fielded a strong side at the New Meadow, with veteran striker Didier Drogba leading the line and, in the 46th minute, opening the scoring.
But Shrewsbury would not lie down and, following an inspired substitution by boss Micky Mellon, goal-poacher Andy Mangan drew the home side level.
Shrewsbury would be disappointed though after conceding once again, just four minutes later, as Jermaine Grandison scored a heartbreaking own goal, heading in from a Willian cross.
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Chelsea were pushed at the death, but held on to see out the game and claim the 2-1 win.
And Mourinho, who played four members of the side which faced Manchester United on Sunday, was full of praise for his players and their application in the cup tie.
"We knew that before [that it would be difficult]", Mourinho told Sky Sports.
"It was tough, yes, but I think I had in my four players who played Sunday an unbelievable example for the others, they were brilliant, absolutely brilliant mentality.
"And when you have people like Petr Cech, [John Obi] Mikel, not playing regularly in the first team, they came here and gave a great display of the professionals in the first team; the kids have to learn from example.
"The game was going to be difficult. It was difficult from minute one until the last minute", he added.
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