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Article: Football: Tiago quick to tune in to the ugly and the beautiful Champions' League Portuguese midfielder keen to fulfil Mourinho's prediction that he will become a great player
- Article from:
- The Independent on Sunday (London, England)
- Article date:
- September 19, 2004
- Author:
CopyrightCopyright 2004 The Independent on Sunday. Provided by ProQuest LLC. (Hide copyright information)
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"We can't concede goals," says Tiago Mendes and, for a moment, it
seems that the Portuguese international has chosen too strong a
phraseology in trying to explain his role in the Chelsea midfield.
But he really does mean "can't". It's not a case of trying not to
concede. The instructions from his coach, Jose Mourinho, are clear.
No goals. Full stop.
So far, and six games into the season, the Chelsea players have
erred just once, and even then it took a wonderfully opportunistic
strike by Southampton's James Beattie to inflict the damage. Tiago
played in that match and has featured in every game, once fit,
following his surprise pounds 8m transfer from Benfica.
The 23-year-old from the ...