Jose Mourinho has claimed that Chelsea supporters' taunts towards Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard show a sign of "respect".
During the midfielder's final performance against the Blues before he leaves Anfield for Los Angeles Galaxy, he was subjected to negative chants by the Chelsea following.
The 34-year-old scored in the Reds' 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, but he was constantly reminded of his infamous slip against Chelsea last season by the supporters in the stadium.
When he was substituted in the second half, Gerrard received a standing ovation from both Liverpool and Blues fans, but the player himself mocked the rival support after they "slaughtered" him for the entire game.
When Mourinho was asked by reporters what he thought of the standing ovation, the Portuguese coach said: "I'm so happy with that.
"The negative song Chelsea fans sing for him is respect for an old, dear enemy that fought so much against us in every competition.
"After that, the standing applause is amazing. To get it at Anfield he gets it week in week out, year after year but away from home it shows a lot."
Gerrard is now second in the all-time Liverpool Premier League top scorers list, behind Robbie Fowler, after he netted his 119th league goal at the weekend.
Danielle Joynson
