Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard taunted Jose Mourinho last night, claiming the Chelsea boss was outthought by Rafa Benitez on Saturday.
After the Kop squad's 2-1 win at Old Trafford on Saturday, Gerrard said: "All week we've prepared for them playing the diamond. They've been doing that for the last few games.
"We knew our full-backs would get a lot of the ball and that's where we tried to hurt Chelsea - on the flanks.
"Their idea was to hit the two front men and allow Frank Lampard or Michael Essien up there to collect the bits.
"But I thought we controlled the middle of the park for 60 minutes. Actually, our game-plan worked to perfection."
Mourinho amazingly left Damien Duff, Joe Cole AND Arjen Robben out of his FA Cup semi-final starting line-up - and right-back Geremi was roasted by Harry Kewell in the first half.
Chelsea just could not get going until late in the game, following the introduction of all three widemen.
Gerrard added: "This result proves we are not miles behind Chelsea.
"Obviously they have a better record against us over the last 10 games - but we've won the two big matches.
"We're progressing. We know Chelsea are a fantastic side with a lot of money behind them and they can go out there and buy whoever they want.
"But Rafa's building something here. We're a very strong team and I think Mourinho should stand up and give us a bit of respect.
"And I still think we can improve more, both individually and as a team. We can all improve.
"We had a chance to go 3-0 up and, against Chelsea, you have to take the chances because you know there are going to be periods in the game when they're going to dominate.
"For the last half-hour we were under the cosh out there. But we dug in and I think we deserved our victory."
After the Kop squad's 2-1 win at Old Trafford on Saturday, Gerrard said: "All week we've prepared for them playing the diamond. They've been doing that for the last few games.
"We knew our full-backs would get a lot of the ball and that's where we tried to hurt Chelsea - on the flanks.
"Their idea was to hit the two front men and allow Frank Lampard or Michael Essien up there to collect the bits.
"But I thought we controlled the middle of the park for 60 minutes. Actually, our game-plan worked to perfection."
Mourinho amazingly left Damien Duff, Joe Cole AND Arjen Robben out of his FA Cup semi-final starting line-up - and right-back Geremi was roasted by Harry Kewell in the first half.
Chelsea just could not get going until late in the game, following the introduction of all three widemen.
Gerrard added: "This result proves we are not miles behind Chelsea.
"Obviously they have a better record against us over the last 10 games - but we've won the two big matches.
"We're progressing. We know Chelsea are a fantastic side with a lot of money behind them and they can go out there and buy whoever they want.
"But Rafa's building something here. We're a very strong team and I think Mourinho should stand up and give us a bit of respect.
"And I still think we can improve more, both individually and as a team. We can all improve.
"We had a chance to go 3-0 up and, against Chelsea, you have to take the chances because you know there are going to be periods in the game when they're going to dominate.
"For the last half-hour we were under the cosh out there. But we dug in and I think we deserved our victory."
