Former Chelsea Boss Talks Up Chelsea's Champions League Chances

Speaking recently in an interview about Chelsea, former Blues manager Ruud Gillet has offered high praise for Mourinho and the London Club. Speaking specifically about their Champions League chances, Gillet suggested that Bayern Munich and Barcelona are afraid of Chelsea, and their managers’ ability to prepare his sides for big European clashes.

“I think, at the moment, the team that frightens everybody is Chelsea. Their strength, their depth, the way they anticipate the game.’

“I think Chelsea is the only team that can beat Barcelona and Bayern Munich, in the way they play, and I think everybody wants to avoid Chelsea.”

Gullit’s statements refer to the dynamism that Chelsea are capable of, when at they’re at their best. All Mourinho sides are known for their defensive solidity, and this year’s team in no exception. With the best defence in the league, and a formidable record in the Champions League, he has succeeded once more in creating a side that is very hard to beat. When this defensive acumen is coupled with the creative talents of Chelsea’s world class midfield, it is easy to see why Gullit is confident in his prediction that they will be able to maintain their first place in the Premier League.

Mourinho himself has consistent pedalled the underdog angle when it comes to discussing his sides chances of winning silverware this season. Despite this, with a series of impressive victories of Manchester City and Arsenal, it’s hard to deny that Chelsea is among the favourites to win both the Premier League, and challenge for the Champions League.

Before any chance of such European honours, Chelsea will have to overcome Paris Saint-Germain in a two legged quarter final tie. While Mourinho’s side will be favourites in the encounter, there will be no room for complacent against the reigning French champions.