Chelsea FC And The Champions League: Jose Mourinho Speaks

Jose Mourinho spoke to the press ahead of Chelsea’s first Champions League fixture, here are some of the best bits

Chelsea FC take on Israeli side, Maccabi Tel Aviv, in Wednesday’s Champions League opener. The Blues have started the season in horrific fashion, winning only one match, but the European competition could be what is needed to get Jose Mourinho’s boys back on track.

Mourinho spoke to the press in the pre-match conference before tomorrow’s big game at Stamford Bridge. The importance of starting out on the right foot is something very much at the top of Jose’s mind.

"Now we play a new competition. There are zero points for everyone and I know that two years ago we lost the first match at home and last season we drew and we had to win games in Germany and Lisbon, so if we can win tomorrow we put ourselves in a better position."

Chelsea FC’s group consisting of Maccabi Tel Aviv, FC Porto and Dynamo Kiev is certainly one of the weaker groups in the tournament this season. But, if you’ve watched Chelsea in the Premier League at all in this campaign you know that there is no such thing as a guaranteed win.

Mourinho also discussed his current roster of players available for selection, implying that he has utter faith in the players that he picks.

"I know exactly the consequence of my selection decisions but I cannot worry about what people say or write."

With such a terrible start to the season for top talents such as Cesc Fabregas, John Terry, Branislav Ivanovic, and even Nemanja Matic (Saturday’s goalscorer), it would make sense to shake up the starting 11.

Mourinho also made mention that Oscar and Abdul Baba Rahman are available for selection on Wednesday while Radamel Falcao is unavailable due to a niggling injury. The Chelsea back-line could use a shake-up, and Rahman is the man to do it. It should be expected that both him and Oscar take the field. Blues fans also hold out hope to see young starlet, Bertrand Traore, feature at some point in the match.

Despite many people suggesting that Chelsea should steamroll Maccabi, Mourinho respects the opposition from Tel Aviv.

"We know we are the better team and we have to prove that in the game. But I respect Maccabi. I have watched them in many games and I did my study and know the team. I also have information that they have trained in a different tactical system and they probably come to play with five defenders."

Mourinho would do well not to underestimate anyone, especially a fellow Champions League side that knocked out FC Basel to get here. Basel defeated Chelsea two seasons ago and bumped Liverpool from the group stage in 2014.

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