Jose ready to up tempo against Villa's Valencia
LONDON: Jose Mourinho has warned Valencia that Chelsea are ready to raise their game to a higher level when they clash in the Champions League quarterfinals.
Mourinho's side are unbeaten in their last 15 matches and have won seven successive games in the Premiership. But the Blues manager believes his players can hit even greater heights now they are free to concentrate solely on club football.
Chelsea were unusually subdued for long periods in Saturday's last gasp 1-0 win at Watford and Mourinho puts that down to his squad being drained by two weeks away on international duty.
Mourinho is relieved he can now focus his players on their bid to win the quadruple and he expects a much higher tempo and intensity to Chelsea's performance when Valencia visit Stamford Bridge today for the first leg of their last eight tie.
"I do not want to excuse it because I always feel we have something inside of us, something hidden, that we can give, that extra bit," Mourinho told Chelsea TV.
"At the training ground in Cobham, you saw I was there doing nothing (during the international break). I was there playing five against five, with the medical department and my people and that is not good.
"You cannot prepare your team when the players come and are tired, with no focus and no concentration."
Mourinho's future remains a source of conjecture after owner Roman Abramovich once again opted not to join the manager and his players in the changing rooms after the win at Watford.
If Mourinho is to repair his fractured relationship with Abramovich, then the Champions League trophy would be an ideal peace offering.
Mourinho's belief that his team can do just that will have been boosted by Joe Cole's earlier than expected declaration that he is ready to return to action.
The England winger has been sidelined for four months with a foot injury, but he insists he is ready to play some part today.
"Some said I wouldn't play this season but I want to come back and make an impact, and hopefully that'll be on Wednesday night," Cole said. "I've been out a long time but hopefully I can hit the ground running.
"I'll do what I can, even if it's only for 10 or 15 minutes."
If Valencia end Chelsea's Champions League challenge, it is a safe bet that much of the damage will have been inflicted by David Villa.
Spain striker Villa has scored 37 goals in 64 games for Los Che and he was instrumental in their 3-2 win over Espanyol on Saturday.
Villa, valued at $138 million, is one of Europe's most coveted forwards and he knows Valencia's hopes rest on his shoulders.
"If a chance falls to me, I have to be fully focused to make sure I put it away. That is what is expected of me," Villa said.
"We know it won't be easy and one of the strongest teams in the competition stands in our way. But we believe we can triumph and make it to the semifinals.
"Chelsea are solid in defence but I will do my best to lead the attack so that they don't have a moment's rest. It just makes me more determined.
"The last few days have gone really well and I'm full of confidence now I'm back scoring goals. We've got a bit of time to rest and prepare for Chelsea to make sure we go out there at full strength."
Quique Sanchez Flores's side need Villa to be on form because they will be without several key players in London.
Carlos Marchena and David Navarro are suspended following the brawl that marred their last 16 win over Inter Milan, Fernando Morientes is out with a dislocated shoulder, while Roberto Ayala suffered a concussion against Espanyol that makes him a doubt.
AFP
(China Daily 04/04/2007 page23)
