体坛英语新闻：Jorge Jesus "proud" of Benfica and compliments Cruijff

AMSTERDAM, May 15 (Xinhua) -- Benfica coach Jorge Jesus was disappointed by the 2-1 loss of his side to Chelsea in the final of the Europa League on Wednesday in Amsterdam, but told afterwards he was proud of the performance of his players.

Benfica was better most of the game, but lost after Branislav Ivanovic scored the winner in injury time. "I am proud that Benfica showed that we would have been be worthy winners," Jesus said during the post-match press conference. "Also the Benfica fans deserved the win. It is especially difficult for the fans."

"Benfica was better for most of the 93 minutes, more consistent," he added. "In my opinion we played high quality football against a very good team like Chelsea, which was very good in the counter attack. After we equalized we were close to the 2-1, with details denying us a victory."

Benfica also lost the possible championship match last Saturday against FC Porto in injury time and against Chelsea the same happened. "This is not usual for Benfica. We were not unlucky. We just had to do something and we did not do it. We did not deserve to lose."

Jorge Jesus admires the total football style of the Dutch national team of Johan Cruijff in the seventies and took the opportunity to have a trial at FC Barcelona in the nineties, at that time coached by Cruijff. After today' s final he not only met former French legend Michel Platini, now UEFA boss, but also Cruijff himself.

"Platini not only congratulated me, but also said we played an excellent game," Jesus said. "But I was even more proud when Johan Cruijff hugged me and said that Benfica showed today it has a great team and that Benfica played football he liked."