Jose Mourinho has praised UEFA over the changes it introduced to the Champions League format.
The Real Madrid boss hailed the governing body's president Michel Platini for allowing allow wider European representation in the competition.
"This is happening because of the decision from when Platini was [elected] president. Now you see some teams reaching this level, you have to give him credit," Mourinho said.
"Some great teams are not there, like Manchester United, Arsenal or Inter Milan, and instead of big teams there are some surprises."
Mourinho guided his side to the quarter-finals of the Champions League this evening with a 4-1 win over CSKA Moscow.
Seven countries will be represented in the last eight of the competition, including APOEL, the first Cypriot team to make it to that stage.
