Jose won't take Levski lightly
By Tom Adams - Created on 26 Sep 2006
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Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho says he is expecting a 'difficult night'
when The Blues visit Levski Sofia in the UEFA Champions League on
Wednesday.
Few give the home side a chance against Mourinho's two-time
Premiership champions, but Levski impressed in qualifying as they
became the first Bulgarian team to ever reach the group
stages.
The Blues will be aiming to build on their opening win over Werder
Bremen, but their Portuguese coach says he will certainly not be
taking Levski lightly.
"The first home game for a team making their Champions league debut
is always special and we know it's going to be a difficult night
for us," said Mourinho.
"We would be very happy to come away with a 1-0 win on Wednesday
because we need the three points and so do Levski, who are better
than their opening 5-0 defeat at Barcelona might suggest,
"It is more difficult to play away than at home and in Europe you
face different cultures of football.
"It not the same playing Spanish, German or Italian teams as it is
against English teams.
"We play English teams every weekend. We play teams from other
countries and different cultures and philosophies of football less
often.
"The squad is built for English football first because that's the
priority.
"Then we see what we can do in European football."
Mourinho also responded to comments from Levski coach Stanimir
Stoilov, who intimated that European Champions and Group A
opponents Barcelona play a more pleasing form of the beautiful
game.
"Chelsea and Barca are both very strong but Barca plays more
attractive football and Chelsea is all about winning," said
Stoilov.
"Chelsea is perfect in defence and they don't let other teams
create too many chances.
"They also have magnificent midfielders and forwards and they can
score from anywhere and from almost every situation.
"Of course, Chelsea has its weak sides but I doubt whether we can
exploit them."
Mourinho was pleased with the comments from his opposite number,
stating he was more concerned with winning matches than showboating
for the crowd.
"In Chelsea we do not have a player like Barcelona have, to do a
trick and leave people with open mouths," Mourinho added.
"We are not often on the Soccer AM show, where they show the best
tricks.
"But, when Stoilov says we are a team about winning, I think that
is a very, very good compliment. I'm happy with that."
"If someone offers me a 1-0 win, I will take it and go to London
now."
Mourinho says he is prepared to play England captain John Terry
against the Bulgarians, despite the accomplished stopper missing
the 2-0 victory over Fulham at the weekend due to back
problem.
"Since we knew it wasn't a big injury, we thought it would be
possible for him to play.
"We were a bit afraid of the long flight, with him sitting in the
same position but he was moving around and he looks okay.
"He always plays in the Champions League. We can't qualify with
three points.
"Normally you need between nine and 12. We have three and we need
to win matches.
"We will try to play with the best team and, if John is 100 percent
fit, he will play."
