Jose Mourinho freely admits Juventus “are a different level of quality, stability, experience and know-how” to Manchester United.
Paulo Dybala scored the only goal and although Paul Pogba hit the post in the second half, Juve dominated possession at Old Trafford.
Jose Mourinho freely admits Juventus “are a different level of quality, stability, experience and know-how” to Manchester United.
Paulo Dybala scored the only goal and although Paul Pogba hit the post in the second half, Juve dominated possession at Old Trafford.
“In the other side there was huge quality. Sometimes people look for Cristiano Ronaldo or Dybala but in a top team you have to look to Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci. I think Juventus is this type of team that when they are in front, it’s very difficult,” Mourinho told BT Sport.
“I think our attacking players, things were not coming. But everyone tried, everyone was strong mentally to try until the end. It was a really difficult match for us. I thought we could take something, but it was not possible.”
The former Inter and Real Madrid boss was asked if Manchester United had given Juventus too much respect.
“I don't think so. I tried not to. With the team we played, it was to let the boys feel positive and take the positive feeling from our match at Stamford Bridge (a 2-2 draw with Maurizio Sarri’s Chelsea).
“But Juventus is a different level of quality, I have to be honest. A level of quality, stability, experience, know-how. The base of the team they have Bonucci and Chiellini.
“That's the base that allows them to play with the freedom in attack. 'Lose the ball, no problem, we are here'.
“We could deserve a goal for the effort of the boys, but it was not possible. I have no complaints with my boys. I have a positive feeling for their effort.”
Mourinho also said in his Press conference that Juventus “are one of the main contenders to win the Champions League. As soon as we saw the draw, we knew we were challenging for second place with Valencia.”