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By Clare Lovell LONDON, Sept 13 - Jose Mourinho rejected criticism
that Chelsea's performance failed to live up to expectations in
the 1-0 Champions League win over Anderlecht on Tuesday, saying
his multi-talented side had played to his instructions. "The players did what I wanted. I am happy," the Portuguese
coach said. "Look at our possession -- 64 percent." "I told my players we cannot lose the ball because they want
us to lose the ball. We cannot give them space behind our
defence because they want that space," he said. Chelsea passed well and kept the ball but failed to find the
final incisive move or shot. Frank Lampard's 19th minute goal
came from a free kick. "In the first half it went very well and they couldn't get
over the midfield line... in the second half we waited for them
and they never came except in the last 10 minutes. "In the last 10 minutes they put pressure on us but I think
we feel very comfortable when we have to defend our half. "If I know Belgian teams, if I know they have speed, why
would I let them behind me?" he said. Mourinho said the Chelsea fans would be happy with three
points. "Supporters prefer 1-0 to 1-1," he said. Only 29,575 fans turned out for the match at Stamford Bridge
which holds some 42,000 at full capacity. Mourinho blamed the low attendance on ticket prices and a
run of games, saying fans could not afford to attend every
match. Lampard said it was not normal for Chelsea to hit top form
early in the season and recalled that they had a slow start last
season too but he added the team were happy with the victory. The successful run for the Premier League leaders, seven
victories in a row including the Community Shield curtain
raiser, is Chelsea's best ever start to a season. Anderlecht, who lost every group game last season, have
broken the Champions League record for successive defeats with
eight over three seasons. However, the Belgian team's manager Frank Vercauteren said
he was proud of his players for their commitment. "You always want to play better but we made it hard for
Chelsea. We can be happy with the way we played and knowing we
left (an impression) behind," he said.
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