Chelsea Chief Executive Tells His Side To Be Cautious Of FC Copenhagen In the Champions League
Chelsea drew FC Copenhagen in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League, but the Blues felt they had to be “very careful” when they took on the Danish side. On paper Carlo Ancelotti’s side have nothing to worry about since FC Copenhagen are the first side
from Denmark to ever reach the round of 16 in the Champions League. However, Ron Gourlay, the Chelsea chief executive, said his side had to be cautious.
Gourlay was certain the Danish side would present a tough challenge and was hopeful the Blues would be up to the task. Gourlay rejected talks of how the Blues had landed an easy side as compared to other English clubs and said he expected Copenhagen to test
the London side. The defending Premier League champions have had a recent slump and will be looking to improve in the European competition.
Gourlay said, “There are no easy games at this stage, but we will be very careful. They have played 10 games so far in the Champions League in qualifying, second to Barcelona, so they're a very, very good side. I think they have won something in the
region of 16 out of 19 games, so they are bound to be dangerous.”
Gourlay was confident of the fact that Blues manager Carlo Ancelotti had won the Champions League four times, twice as a player and twice as a manager, and would help Chelsea in Europe. He mentioned that the Chelsea camp members were somewhat excited about
the upcoming trip to Denmark because it was not too far away.
Gourlay said Ancelotti’s experience was to play a big role in the European competition. He said,
“It's great to have so much experience. We've also got plenty of experience with our players, so yes of course it's a plus point but you've still got to play very well on the day. If we play to our ability as a team, then we're a match for any club.”
Gourlay spoke of the recent fixture against Tottenham at White Hart Lane which ended in a 1-1 draw, but showed the fighting spirit of the Blues who came from behind to draw and steal one point. The draw signals the end of their recent poor form, which has
seen them slip from the top of the English Premier League table.
The Blues chief executive was confident his side were on their way up, he added,
“We've had a difficult couple of weeks, and there were signs last week that we're improving. We've been doing so well for so long and you hit a couple of bad results. It doesn't mean great players have not become great players in a matter of weeks.”
Lastly, Gourlay spoke of the upcoming game against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge over the weekend. The game on Sunday will be important in determining who the contenders for the title race are and will be a must win game for the Blues. Chelsea seem
to be ready to welcome United to the Bridge and secure all three points against the league leaders.
Gourlay mentioned the return of the key players, which he said would affect the fixture against United. He said,
“Last week the signs were there that we were picking up again and we have some key players back again, which is very important to us and we're looking ahead to the game on Sunday (against Manchester United).”
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