Jose Mourinho was honest about his side’s inability to keep out Man City’s attacking players, yet believed the 3-1 defeat at the Etihad this evening was not entirely negative in terms of his team’s performance.
Goals from David Silva, Sergio Aguero and substitute Ilkay Gundogan saw the hosts to victory. Anthony Martial gave Mourinho’s side hope when the Frenchman coverted a penalty in the 58th minute to make it 2-1.
But it proved not to be enough, as City sealed victory via Gundogan’s late finish.
“I think it is not a bad performance at all. It was a performance with mistakes and we paid for it. All three goals are our mistakes. Against a team like City, if you make mistakes you will get punished.’’ Mourinho told Sky Sports.
“We had two matches away [Juventus and then City], it is not the physical effort but the mental pressure. I think some of the boys felt it a little bit.
“The first one is a bad one to concede and the second one is even worse. The third goal kills everything.
Mourinho, who’s side has enjoyed a recent up-turn in form, couldn’t resist making reference to both side’s European commitments mid-week, with the Portuguese making the argument his team had endured a more draining Champions League match following their away victory over Juventus.
City had strolled to a thumping 6-0 home win over Shaktar Donetsk.
“Everybody has to agree. It is one thing to go to Juventus and play against one of the best teams in the world for 90 minutes. Another thing to beat Shakhtar Donetsk at home 6-0 and be very relaxed. We arrive in different circumstances.’’ He added.
“We cannot lose the ball the way we did. It is not about David de Gea, it is about the way we lost the ball.”
