EPL News: Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien admits Chelsea still have a lot of work to do
Chelsea's dynamic midfielder Michael Essien has gone on to admit that the current reigning champions of England still have a lot of work ahead of them, as they set their eyes on capturing the League title and becoming the Champions of Europe.
So far the team has had a hundred percent record in the Premier League, having won all four of their opening games and they have only conceded one goal on the run. This form has also seen the team take a two point lead at the top of the table, this early on in the season.
Chelsea however feel that, in order to mark their dominance permanently they will need to lift European Cup. The team will begin their journey on Wednesday night, when they travel to Slovakia to face MSK Zilina. However the team could be without Captain John Terry and Frank Lampard, both the players would miss the action due to injuries. However there is more bad news as Didier Drogba will also miss out on the game since he has two more games left to sit out, till his Champions League ban is lifted.
Chelsea would feel that they have a relatively easier Champions League group this time around with the other two teams being, Marseille and Spartak Moscow. Chelsea are easily the favorites to end the group stages by being well ahead of the other three teams in their groups on total points scored.
Despite this Essien was reported to have said: "We still have a lot to do"
"The season is very long, but we have played some good football and are scoring a lot of goals - we have to keep going like that."
Carlo Ancelotti has won the competition four times in the past. He accomplished this twice in his playing days and twice with his former team, AC Milan. The manager is hoping to repeat the same success at Chelsea this season.
"It's the competition which has given me the most satisfaction in my career, both as a player and as a coach, so it has a very special importance for me to take part in and to win it," said Ancelotti, whose side went out in the last 16 to eventual winners Inter Milan and a certain Jose Mourinho last season.
"In Europe everyone knows the importance of this trophy.
"A London team hasn't won the Champions League, but this season there is a better chance with three teams in the competition and the final is at Wembley so for London it is a special year.
"For Chelsea, the Champions League is just as important a competition as the championship because the Premier League is very important in England.
"Given that we won it last year, it would be great to win something in Europe as well as at home."
The last time Zilina faced Chelsea was way back in the 2002-2003 Champions League season. The Blue's managed to beat Zilina by an aggregate score of five goals to nil and would be looking repeat a similar performance this time around as well.
Zilina however have said that they shouldn't underestimate the club since with the right amount of hard work and determination anything is possible. The team's manager was reported to have said:"It's a great challenge for me and I'm really looking forward to it. On the other hand, we won't sell ourselves short," Hapal said.
"We want to show our supporters quality football and we'd like to get some points from our meeting with Chelsea."
"We respect our opponents; they're a really big club.
"Chelsea are obviously superior to us, but football is about 11 players playing against 11 players and we want to walk off with our heads high after the match."
With both the teams being all fired up for the match, it is more then likely to be a goal scoring thriller. Chelsea are still the obvious favourites to win the match, however Zilina can not be counted out under any circumstance.
Tags: