Chelsea manager, Jose Mourinho, has warned his players that the club simply cannot afford to drop down to the Europa League this season.
The Blues advanced all the way to the semi-finals last season, until they were beaten by Spanish champions, Atletico Madrid, but the season before that, they were knocked out of the Champions League at the group stage, after finishing third, and Mourinho has told his players they cannot slip up this season.
Mourinho has lifted the Champions League trophy two times, once with FC Porto and once with Inter Milan, and despite having a relatively easy group, the Portuguese manager has said getting knocked out is unthinkable for the club.
“The competition is part of my history and I’m part of the tournament’s history. To win with three clubs would be unique,” said Mourinho.
“Do I want to try to win again? Of course I want to.
“I have many years ahead of me. But in this moment I only think: don’t play Europa League.
“It would be very bad for the evolution of our players to go to Europa League.
“We have to qualify. We have to do everything to qualify.”
Chelsea face Schalke at Stamford Bridge tomorrow night, whilst Sporting Lisbon take on NK Maribor in the other game of the group.
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles
