Chelsea’s Champions League campaign kicks off at Stamford Bridge later this evening with Jose Mourinho dismissing speculation that he might leave Stamford Bridge if Chelsea win the competition.
“I did one mistake in Porto, leaving Porto when I was European champion because I could have won the Intercontinental Cup. I couldn’t because I had left,” he said. “If one day I win the Champions League again, I want to win the Intercontinental Cup and not give [the club] to another manager to win it.”
Joe Cole, out with a knee injury since the pre-season tour of the United States, trained with the first team yesterday and could make the squad, while Claude Makelele is expected to return after being rested for the game against Charlton on Saturday. Arjen Robben has not recovered from a calf muscle problem picked up during the trip to Middlesbrough.
Werder Bremen’s Miroslav Klose sustained a thigh injury at the weekend but should recover in time. John Terry will have to be at his best to keep the Golden Shoe winner at the past two World Cups from scoring.
Chelsea haven’t won at home in Europe for two games but have won all four opening Champions League fixtures.
