Carlo Ancelotti says Chelsea are aiming for Champions League final
Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti says that the English Premier League champions are targeting a run to the UEFA Champions League final at Wembley Stadium this season.
The Blues booked their place in the last 16 of the competition after they defeated Russian outfit Spartak Moscow 4-1 at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, 3 November. Nicolas Anelka, Didier Drogba and Branislav Ivanovic (2) did the damage for the home side, while
Nikita Bazhenov grabbed a consolation for the visitors.
Chelsea, who are six points ahead of both Spartak and Marseille with just two games to play, now need a single point to top the group.
Ancelotti is hoping that he can help Chelsea to become the first London-based club to become European champions when the final of the tournament takes place in the city in May.
The Blues played in the season-opening Community Shield match at Wembley in both the 2009-10 and 2010-11 campaigns, and Ancelotti would like to bookend another season with trips to the stadium after winning the 2010 FA Cup there.
According to The Mirror, Ancelotti said, "I hope we can start and end the season at Wembley like we did last season. We are working to play the last game at Wembley. In the final."
Meanwhile, Chelsea handed the captain’s armband to Drogba for the Spartak match, as regular skipper John Terry was on the bench.
Drogba was making his return to the Champions League after a suspension and injury had kept him out of playing a part in the competition so far this season.
"Didier was captain with John Terry rested because he has a lot more presence compared to the other players. 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."
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