Wed 3 May 06
Blackburn in Europe
The Rovers’ 1-0 win over Chelsea yesterday (which triggered the inevitable whining from Jose Mourinho) clinched sixth place and a UEFA Cup spot:
Blackburn Rovers took full advantage of Chelsea retaining the title with two matches to spare to secure the victory they needed to bring European football back to Ewood Park next season.
The clinching of sixth place in the Premiership completes a magnificent rebuilding operation at the club by Mark Hughes, who took charge last season with the team fighting to avoid relegation.
[…]
Jose Mourinho, Chelsea’s manager, praised Blackburn for their impressive rise under Hughes but was less gracious in accepting the way they crossed the European finishing line, courtesy of what he regarded to be over-sympathetic officiating by referee Steve Bennett.
“I can laugh about it because I am champion,” said Mourinho. “But I don’t think the people in Newcastle will be laughing,” he added referring to Rovers’ principal rivals for the remaining Uefa Cup place.
“If I had come here needing points for the championship my career in England might have ended tonight because I probably would have been banned forever,” reflected Mourinho on the rejection of three strong penalty appeals.
Note that Blackburn’s remarkable turnaround started only after Graeme Souness left the team. As for the Geordies, we’ll have to settle for a spot in the Intertoto Cup if we beat Bolton into seventh place. Newcastle are three points ahead, but Bolton have a game in hand.
Damian P.
