Carlo Ancelotti has admitted that Chelsea are targeting an appearance in the Champions League final this season, after a victory over Spartak Moscow ensured a place in the last 16.
The final will be held at Wembley in May, with no London-based club having ever laid hands on the coveted crown of being champions of Europe.
And now the Italian - who guided AC Milan to two triumphs on the continent - believes there is "motivation" among the players to reach the final in the hope of making history.
"I hope we can start and end the season at Wembley like we did last season," Ancelotti said, according to The Mirror, referring to the 2009 Community Shield and the FA Cup victory that followed at the other end of the campaign.
"We are working to play the last game at Wembley. In the final."
The Blues were missing John Terry, and the 51-year-old shed some light on his decision to hand the armband to Didier Drogba.
The Ivorian was making his return to Champions League football, after suspension and illness had kept him out of the European arena until this encounter.
"Didier was captain with John Terry rested because he has a lot more presence compared to the other players," said the manager. "He has fantastic motivation for this campaign in the Champions League, but every one of us has this motivation. There are a lot of things to think about: a final in London; and the fact that no London team has won the Champions League. I think that helps to improve the motivation.
"It is not just the English players - it is the same for all of us. I'm not English. I'm working for Chelsea and have a particular feeling for this club. A sensation. If there is a final, it's an extra motivation for everyone."
Nicolas Anelka continued his strong form on the European stage to net his fifth goal of the tournament - which broke the deadlock - and the Italian gave his player a pat on the back for his efforts.
"Anelka was the key to opening the game," Ancelotti continued. "He scored a fantastic goal - the most important this evening.
"He has experience. He maintains very good skill, ability, speed. Overall he is in the best moment of his career."
No comments:
Post a Comment