Mourinho Rues Missed Chances  (Sky Sports)

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho feels with more quality Chelsea could have taken advantage of space afforded to them by Liverpool after their 1-1 draw in the Capital One Cup semi-final first-leg at Anfield.

Despite leading for much of the Capital One Cup semi-final first-leg, it was Liverpool who enjoyed the lion’s share of the chances, with Blues ‘keeper Thibaut Courtois forced to make several fine saves.

However, Mourinho believes that Liverpool left themselves open on occasion, and admitted his disappointment at seeing his side miss an opportunity to take advantage.

“We played to the top of our potential and so did Liverpool, it was a proper semi-final,” Mourinho told Sky Sports.

“I think it was a fair result. Liverpool did not deserve to win this game, but we were in control.

“The way they played with three defenders we had a lot of space to counter-attack, but we were not very efficient in our passing.

“We had plenty of half-chances with the space we had, but with more quality we would have scored more goals.”

Raheem Sterling scored a very impressive equaliser at pace in the second-half, carrying the ball forward and finishing expertly with his left foot.

That equaliser sets it up nicely for next week’s return leg – an encounter Mourinho is relishing.

“It is so difficult to play here, but I love it,” Mourinho added.

“Some people say that the League Cup is a secondary competition, but for big clubs like Liverpool and Chelsea in the semi-final it's not.

“I am not saying we are favourites, but Liverpool have to come and win at Stamford Bridge now.”