Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho insists a calm, collected approach will assure the Londoners victory over Liverpool in the Champions League semifinal first leg on Wednesday.
”The key will be for us to not panic,” said the Portuguese, who has a chance of a league and Champions League double in his first year in charge.
”We cannot think we have to get the result at home. If we don’t win, we don’t win, we can win the second game.
”We cannot be crazy to chase a result at home, it is not that important. We can win in Liverpool.”
Despite Mourinho’s apparent certainty of a Blues win, he did leave Rafael Benitez’s Liverpool — whose form in Europe belies their domestic league performances — a titbit of hope for Wednesday’s clash.
”It surprises me they are not doing very well in the league, not that they are doing well in Champions League this season,” added Mourinho.
”They have one of the best managers in the world in Rafa and some of the best players in the country.”
Meanwhile Chelsea captain John Terry has pointed out the threat posed by Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues have won their three meetings this season, but Terry warned: ”They will be pumped up and wanting to beat us.
”They have talent all round — the likes of Steven Gerrard, Milan Baros, Jamie Carragher and Sami Hyypia.
”We have a lot of respect for them, and they will be aiming to get revenge on us for the League Cup final.
”We’ve got a long way to go but we’ve got a chance. If anyone can do it, it’s our manager.” – Sapa-AFP