Match Report: Chelsea 0 - 1 Inter Milan

Jose Mourinho returned to Stamford Bridge in triumph as Inter Milan sent Chelsea crashing out of the Champions League.

Samuel Eto's clinical strike 11 minutes from time settled a scrappy encounter and sealed a place in the quarter-finals for Mourinho at the expense of the club he left in 2007 after a hugely successful three-and-a-half years.

And the misery for Chelsea and coach Carlo Ancelotti was complete when Didier Drogba was sent off in the closing minutes after a penalty area clash with Thiago Motta.

Mourinho's Inter were able to keep a subdued Chelsea at arm's length for the majority of a tense evening littered with fouls and spells of ill-feeling, with even the self-appointed "Special One" being targeted for abuse by the supporters who once idolised him as frustration spread around Stamford Bridge in the closing moments.

He celebrated in relatively muted fashion when Eto'o capped a spell of Inter pressure with the crucial goal, after Diego Milito had missed the chance to seal Chelsea's fate even earlier.

Chelsea had their moments in a frantic first half, with Michael Ballack shooting just wide and Nicolas Anelka seeing a close-range effort cleared off the line by Motta, while keeper Julio Cesar saved well from Florent Malouda after the break.

And Chelsea were also left claiming they were victims of a clear injustice in the first half when Drogba was dragged to the ground by Walter Samuel as they wrestled to reach a corner.

This apart, Inter were able to restrict Chelsea, who failed to show the wit and guile required to break them down, demonstrating the defensive discipline and resilience that is the trademark of any Mourinho team.

He did not milk Inter's win at the final whistle, but Mourinho may just appreciate the irony of the fact that he has ended Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich's dream of bringing the Champions League to Stamford Bridge.

For Ancelotti and Chelsea, the task is now to regroup and refocus their sights on the Premier League and the FA Cup.

Mourinho stated his attacking intent with the presence of Goran Pandev, Milito and Eto'o, but after a positive start the game soon descended into a predictable war of attrition.

Chelsea's Ballack posted the first moment of danger, but he dragged his shot low and wide past Cesar's upright from the edge of the area. Drogba was also denied by a defiant block from Maicon as he closed in on goal.

Inter knew that vital away goal would leave Chelsea with a huge task, and Eto'o wasted a wonderful opportunity to provide it for them after 33 minutes.

Maicon's cross deceived John Terry, but Eto'o appeared surprised at getting the chance and directed a poor header down and well over the bar.

In a frantic finale to the first 45 minutes, Walter Samuel threw himself in front of Malouda as he drove into the box, while Motta rescued Inter with a goalline clearance as Anelka forced a shot beyond Cesar.

The tension was robbing the game of any real quality and also resulted in plenty of short tempers. And Chelsea were particularly infuriated when referee Wolfgang Stark ignored penalty appeals as Drogba was clearly dragged to the ground by Samuel as the grappled to reach a corner.

Both teams left the pitch to a frustrated chorus of jeering at the interval, with Chelsea coach Ray Wilkins clearly angry at the events of the first half.

Mourinho's gestures from the sidelines made it clear he wanted Inter to exploit the areas around Chelsea left-back Yuri Zhirkov, but the Russian full-back twice rescued his side with perfect challenges on Eto'o and Pandev as they closed in on keeper Ross Turnbull.

Malouda brought a fine save from Julio Cesar at his near post, but once again Chelsea were having trouble producing the invention needed to break the deadlock.

Ancelotti responded by sending on Joe Cole just after the hour, but this was only the signal for Inter to create, and waste, their best chance as Milito snatched at his effort with only Turnbull to beat, much to Stamford Bridge's relief.

Inter had been the more dangerous team after the break, and the killer away goal they had been threatening duly came with 11 minutes left. Wesley Sneijder's pass cut Chelsea apart and Eto's showed great expertise to guide his finish around Turnbull.

Mourinho indulged in some fairly low-key fist-pumping, but the rest of Inter's backroom staff and players celebrated wildly as Chelsea's players were forced to accept their Champions League hopes were over for another year.

As time ran out and emotions ran high, Drogba appeared to stand on Motta's foot and saw red. It was a moment that summed up Chelsea's miserable night.

I Should Still Be The Manager At Chelsea, Says José Mourinho

José Mourinho breezed back into Stamford Bridge last night to declare he was "home" and should still be Chelsea's manager. The Internazionale coach pointed out that while he has continued to accumulate silverware in Italy his former club has one FA Cup to show for the three years since his departure.

The Portuguese veered from an initially diplomatic script, marked by an admission that he would tone down his celebrations should the Italian champions eliminate their hosts from the Champions League this evening, to suggest some level of regret at the fracture of his relationship with Roman Abramovich after his glittering three-year spell in charge at the London club.

"I feel sorry but I look forward," said Mourinho. "I feel sorry because when I look at the big four teams from when I was in England, the managers are all still there: Sir Alex [Ferguson] is there. [Arsène] Wenger is there. [Rafael] Benítez is there. I did more than enough to be here. But the decision was made. Chelsea looked forward. I look forward. They move on. I move on. I keep winning important things. They keep winning ... something. They won an FA Cup.

"I have nothing to prove to Chelsea: to Chelsea's players, to Chelsea's fans, to Chelsea's board. The relations are great. When it's possible, happiness for me and happiness for them is the perfect situation. I don't believe I will be booed. I believe I will be clapped. But, for me, this game is just about getting to the quarter-finals. It doesn't mean anything else to me at all."

His only regret concerned the timing of his eventual departure, with Mourinho conceding he should have left Stamford Bridge on his own terms immediately after claiming the FA Cup in 2007. By then his relationship with Abramovich had fractured beyond repair, though the Portuguese was persuaded to remain at the club, only to be forced out in September of that year after a sluggish start to the following season.

Asked if there was one thing he could change from his time at Chelsea, he said: "I would have left the day after the FA Cup final at the end of that third season. The timing was wrong [when I eventually did leave]. I waited until September and I didn't enjoy my time after I left until I went to Inter. Being away from football was too painful. If I'd left in May I would have started the next season at a new club."

Inter – with whom he claimed the domestic title last season – may top Serie A again, albeit by a solitary point, but the 47-year-old is enduring a relatively torrid time in Italy at present. Defeat at lowly Catania last Friday has allowed Milan to gain ground in the championship race, while Mourinho and his Italian striker Mario Balotelli were reportedly embroiled in a spat at training in Milan today which has resulted in the forward being omitted from the squad for disciplinary reasons. Carlo Ancelotti has since suggested he might seek to work with Balotelli at Chelsea.

In the circumstances, and with his relations with the Italian press clearly strained, Mourinho appeared to relish a return to London and familiar haunts. "I feel at home," he said.

"I opened the door, went up to the second floor where there are people I know; to the third floor where there are people I know. The players didn't come to see me but they are working, or at the team hotel. Before the game I know everybody and I love them, and after the game the same, but, for 90 minutes on Tuesday night, I'll know nobody.

"I'll be restrained if we win, yes. Because it's Chelsea. Because it's the team where I worked for three and a half years, the same players, the same supporters who made me feel incredible every time we played in this stadium. But don't confuse this emotional control with a lack of professionalism or of me not having a desire to win. I watched the first leg seven times on DVD, stopping and going back over and over again. Chelsea is different and I have to be different but I gave everything to prepare for this game. So don't confuse my feelings for my ex-players and my ex-club with any lack of desire or motivation to win this game."

The Inter manager was confident enough to name seven of his starting line-up for this evening's collision with Ancelotti – with whom he endured a troubled relationship last season when they were on opposite sides of Milan – and said that his former club was in safe hands under their current manager. Mourinho said: "They have a good chef, yes, a chef with experience and with knowledge of the ingredients that football needs. They are in good hands."

Yet Mourinho still has designs to return to the Premier League in the future. "I have three things still to do in my career," the Portuguese said. "One thing is to come back to English football. Another is to win the Spanish championship, because no one has won Italian, English and Spanish titles.

"And another, when I'm old, is to coach my national team. But, for now, I would like to keep winning with Inter.

"I will still be the Special One whatever happens. How old is Giovanni Trapattoni? Seventy? I want to coach as long as him but, even at that age, I will still have things to prove. That's my motivation. So, after this game, I will still be the Special One. Win or lose."

Real Madrid Eyeing Chelsea's Ashley Cole

Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole is Real Madrid's top prospect in their plans to reinforce the left side of defence next season, reports Marca today.

The club hierarchy has reportedly developed a list of their transfer targets for the position and along with Cole, who heads the list, Los Blancos are also keeping tabs on Manchester United's Patrice Evra, Lazio's Aleksandar Kolarov, Arsenal's Gael Clichy, Fenerbache's Andre Santos, Deportivo La Coruna's Filipe Luis and Benfica's David Luiz.

Cole has reportedly been in contact with Chelsea, having expressed his desire to leave the club for a variety of personal reasons.

While right-sided player Alvaro Arbeloa has filled in nicely at left-back this season, covering for the less defensive minded Marcelo, Madrid are in need of a proficient left-back that can slot into the Blancos' attack-minded style of play.

Chelsea Are Not The Side Jose Mourinho Left But They Are Still Good Enough

Internazionale need José Mourinho's sulky charisma even more than his tactical acumen. His personality can distract opponents from the fact that his side, judged by the high standards of the Champions League elite, is unremarkable. If Chelsea keeps a clear head, they ought to overturn the 2-1 deficit from a gripping first leg. Should anyone in Carlo Ancelotti's squad need reassurance, they could get a chuckle out of reading Internazionale's recent record in the tournament.

The most they have achieved in the previous half dozen campaigns is a couple of appearances in the quarter-finals. Mourinho continued the mundane form in his first season with Inter, unable to make much of a fuss as Manchester United eased them aside. Chelsea's disappointments have been far more histrionic.

After the Portuguese had parted company with the club in the autumn of 2007, Avram Grant took them to a shootout loss against United in the final. A year later the side, under the caretaker leadership of Guus Hiddink, were beaten in the semi‑final by the referee Tom Henning Ovrebo's rejection of penalty appeals as well as Andrés Iniesta's goal for Barcelona in the third minute of stoppage time. No one can call such experiences enviable but they confirm Chelsea as a team who customarily play for high stakes.

It would be trite to believe that Mourinho can cure Inter with an injection of his personality. The limitations of even his managerial skills were set out in the comedy of Inter's loss at Catania last Friday. The introduction of Sulley Muntari, with the score at 1‑1, may have been one of the most hilariously disastrous decisions in the history of the game. It would, in all justice, be absurd to suppose that even the far-sighted Mourinho could have envisaged the consequences.

Muntari was immediately booked for a foul and then, while inside the area, lifted his arm to block the resultant free‑kick. The Ghanaian was shown a second yellow card and Catania scored from the penalty before claiming a third goal towards the end.

Inter, with a one-point lead over Milan, are still on course for a fifth consecutive title and it is scarcely their fault that the Calciopoli scandal caused such helpful havoc with Juventus, for instance, demoted to Serie B in 2006. Nonetheless, Mourinho has benefited from entering the Italian game at time of disruption, when the means and relative stability at Inter have been great assets.

For a man with such a reputation as a pragmatist, he takes part of the credit for a first-leg encounter with Chelsea that was full of entertainment and admirable technique. It will be to the benefit of European football as a whole if Mourinho can inspire a revival by the renowned Serie A clubs.

Progress, all the same, ought not to be made on that front tonight. If there is disquiet about Chelsea it reflects their own flaws more than the prowess of Inter. The Premier League table lays bare a vulnerability seldom associated with them. There are seven other clubs whose defensive record at home is superior to Chelsea's. It is not difficult to track the sources of deterioration in the post‑Mourinho period.

Ricardo Carvalho is no longer the smooth yet powerful centre-back he once was and it is open to debate whether the Portuguese or Alex ought to be paired with John Terry. The club captain has himself been affected by having the England captaincy taken from him. Petr Cech's calf muscle problem has been unsettling, too, with neither Hilario nor Ross Turnbull convincing as deputies between the posts.

Resilience has been further undermined by the loss to injury of the left-back Ashley Cole and the powerful Michael Essien. It is as if the fates have introduced a handicap system to ensure that Inter stay in contention. Chelsea should keep self pity at bay by remembering how today's visitors toiled in their group. Barcelona, naturally, won it, but it was still mediocre of Inter to register a mere pair of victories, over Rubin Kazan and Dynamo Kyiv. Mourinho's side, with three draws in that phase, seemed to depend on being difficult to beat.

There was stylishness from Inter and, particularly, from Wesley Sneijder in the first leg with Chelsea. If Ancelotti's team is not presently equipped for flawless work in defence, they will have to impose themselves in attack. It would be of benefit if Nicolas Anelka, subdued since Didier Drogba's return from the Africa Cup of Nations, rediscovered his form. Chelsea have their worries, but they also possess the means to ease them.

Chelsea Get It All Wrong With Battle Cry To Fans As They Ask Home Crowd To 'Raise The Temperature' For Crunch Clash With Inter Milan

Liverpool supporters taunt their Chelsea counterparts with the chant 'You ain't got history' while some question how many supporters have joined the bandwagon since Roman Abramovich rode into town with all those rubles.

Fans of the London club naturally bristle with indignation at the jibes - but honestly, the club doesn't always help their cause.

Have a look at this edict from the official website as Stamford Bridge gets ready to welcome the aristocrats from Inter Milan.

'Flags or scarves will be laid out at seats around the stadium for tonight's game but please bring your own colour and singing voices, and please arrive early to raise the temperature ahead of kick-off'

Yes, you read it right folks - it really does say 'raise the temperature'.

Can you honestly imagine Manchester United fans needing such instruction before one of those famous European nights at Old Trafford?

I doubt very much the Anfield crowd will ever need to be whipped up into any manufactured frenzy for the big occasions - indeed Chelsea know to their cost how loud that ground can be after that 2005 European Cup semi-final.

I don't even think London's 'lesser lights' would need such encouragement. Certainly not West Ham. Probably not Fulham either.

So as you settle down to watch live coverage of the big Champions League match, or listen in your transistor sets, try and gauge the temperature for yourself.

Ancelotti: Roman Likes Blues' Style

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti claims he has finally given owner Roman Abramovich a team that plays with the style and flair he craves.

The Russian owner has long been known to desire an attacking style of play at Stamford Bridge, and Ancelotti believes his team has delivered that this season.

With Jose Mourinho returning to West London for a Champions League showdown with Chelsea on Tuesday night, the timing of Ancelotti's comments suggests he is aiming a sly dig at his Portuguese opposite number.

The 'Special One' had an extremely successful three-year spell with Chelsea between 2004 and 2007, winning two Premier League titles, two League Cup trophies and one FA Cup.

But criticism was often rounded on Mourinho that his style of play did not match the ambitions of Abramovich, and the former Porto boss left after reported disagreements with the billionaire owner.

Ancelotti, however, claims he shares the same attacking ethos as Chelsea's wealthy chief and says he has changed things since his arrival.

He said in The Sun: "Some things we have changed. The system of play is a little bit different. We play attacking football.

"Roman wants to see the team in his identity. I think the team now is playing with his identity. We want to improve this but this is a good way to play."

Simon Kjaer Tells Liverpool, Manchester United & Chelsea: I Will Only Leave Palermo For Irresistible Offer

Simon Kjaer has said only a substantial offer will see him swap Palermo for Premier League football.

Kjaer, who turns 21 next week, is reportedly being followed by Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea.

But his signature will not come cheap as he lays out the terms and conditions.

"I have three years left with Palermo. To leave here, one of those offers that you cannot say no to will have to arrive," he told the club's official website.

Add to that a guarantee of playing first team football, and negotiations become easier.

"I am a first choice at this club, and I have the chance to play in prestigious competitions wearing the Rosanero jersey," he concluded.

Palermo currently occupies the Champions League qualification position in Serie A and welcome Inter to La Favorita on Saturday night.

Capello Not Giving Up On Bridge And Cole

Fabio Capello is playing a patient, waiting game, but is still convinced he will have both his first choice left-backs, Ashley Cole and Wayne Bridge, in his 23-man World Cup squad.

After losing David Beckham through injury this weekend, the England boss is concentrating on formulating his strongest possible squad for South Africa - and that still includes Cole and Bridge.

Cole is facing a race against time to be fit following a foot injury, while Bridge has taken the decision to make himself unavailable in light of the allegations that concerned John Terry and his former girlfriend.

An FA insider told Soccernet: "We believe that Ashley Cole will be back playing in time for the World Cup, and this is good news.

"There is still plenty of time for Wayne Bridge to think again about his decision not to want to play for England again. There is enough time for him to think about it.

"There is no rush, we are not rushing him, and I am sure Fabio will want to talk to him personally, in the hope that he will change his mind."

Capello has also invited Beckham to play again for England in the European Championship qualifiers in the autumn, which is the earliest point at which the then 35-year-old midfielder could be expected to play again.

"We hope he will be fit for next year," the England manager told Sky Sports News. "I hope he will be fit for the Euros because he is one of the best players in England."

Match Preview: Chelsea vs. Inter Milan

At the start of the season Chelsea were one of the favourites for the Champions League trophy, and indeed they have looked good in Europe this campaign, although suspicions persist as to whether they were truly tested in the group stages. Therefore, Inter were their first main test in Europe's premier club competition and they did expressed their calibre and quality a fortnight ago.

Inter might have won the first leg of their Round of 16 tie 2-1 in Milan, but Chelsea weren't particularly bad and do have a valuable away goal, which Carlo Ancelotti and the rest of the Chelsea unit will be quick to point out as a potentially crucial factor in how the two sides approach the game on Tuesday evening. Chelsea know that they have to score to progress, while a draw will be good enough for the Nerazzurri.

The Premier League side have failed to make it to the semi-finals only once in the past six years and reached the final in 2008. Last season the Blues were knocked out in the semis by Barcelona on the away goals rule. Chelsea are going strong in the Premier League this campaign too, as they are currently second in the table, two points behind leaders Manchester United with a game in hand.

Inter have not gone past the Round of 16 in the Champions League for the past three seasons and in each of the last two campaigns they have fallen to English opposition. Last season they went out 2-0 on aggregate to Manchester United as a 0-0 scoreline at home was followed by a 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford. In 2007-2008 it was Liverpool who knocked them out.

But this time Inter do have a genuine chance of progressing in Europe's top tier club competition. They might have conceded an away goal, but they have a one-goal advantage going to Stamford Bridge. If the Italian champions of the last four seasons can strengthen their backline and soak up pressure playing in a traditional Italian style, then they will be confident of getting a 0-0 draw and going through.

Jose Mourinho never lost a league game at the Bridge when he was the coach of Chelsea, losing only once there in all competitions, and this will be his first return to his old stomping ground since leaving the Blues in 2007. He has proclaimed his affection for Chelsea but will certainly be looking to knock out his former club.


FORM GUIDE

Chelsea

March 13 v West Ham United (H) - WON 4-1 (Premier League)
March 7 v Stoke City (H) - WON 2-0 (FA Cup)
February 27 v Manchester City (H) - LOST 4-2 (Premier League)
February 24 v Inter (A) - LOST 2-1 (Champions League)
February 20 v Wolverhampton Wanderers (A) - WON 2-0 (Premier League)

Inter

March 12 v Catania (A) - LOST 3-1 (Serie A)
March 7 v Genoa (H) - DREW 0-0 (Serie A)
February 28 v Udinese (A) - WON 3-2 (Serie A)
February 24 v Chelsea (H) - WON 2-1 (Champions League)
February 20 v Sampdoria (H) - DREW 0-0 (Serie A)


TEAM NEWS

Chelsea

Yuri Zhirkov and Deco should both be available after having recovered from their respective injuries. Jose Bosingwa, Ashley Cole and Michael Essien are long-term injury casualties, while Ricardo Carvalho is out with a hamstring injury. Both Petr Cech and Henrique Hilario are suffering from injuries, meaning that Ross Turnbull could be given a start.

Probable Lineup (4-5-1): Turnbull, Ivanovic, Terry, Alex, Zhirkov; Malouda, Ballack, Mikel, Lampard, Kalou; Drogba

Inter

Cristian Chivu is out with injury but Marco Materazzi is back. Davide Santon was not part of the Inter squad that lost to Catania on Friday and doubts persist on whether he will be taken to London. Mario Balotelli, who has struggled with injuries in recent times, is reportedly out of the squad for Tuesday's game.

Probable Lineup (4-3-1-2): Julio Cesar; Maicon, Lucio, Samuel, Zanetti; Cambiasso, Mariga, Stankovic; Sneijder; Eto'o, Milito


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Didier Drogba (Chelsea)

The Ivorian international striker has been in excellent form so far this season and has 21 goals and six assists in 24 Premier League games, with three goals in the Champions League. He wasn't perhaps very prominent in the first leg against Inter at San Siro but Drogba will certainly be a huge threat at Stamford Bridge. Inter's otherwise strong defensive unit exhibited cracks on Friday night when they conceded three goals in Catania and the Drog, placed sixth in the Castrol Rankings, will be eager to take advantage of any defensive slip-up on Tuesday evening.

Diego Milito (Inter)

The much under-rated Argentine international striker scored in the first leg in Milan and made England international central defender John Terry look average. Milito has scored 16 goals and given three assists in 26 matches in Serie A and has struck twice in the Champions League. The 30-year-old has not accomplished much in Europe and as such he will be keen to light up the continent. Milito's attacking instincts, shooting accuracy and ability to hold the ball up and bring his team-mates into play will be an important feature for nter against a confident Chelsea side.

Chelsea Boss Carlo Ancelotti Vows To Break Jose Mourinho's Unbeaten Record At Inter

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti is determined for his team to end Inter's record under Jose Mourinho of never losing back-to-back matches.

The Italian giants were beaten 3-1 at the weekend by Catania in Serie A, but Ancelotti is refusing to see this as a sign that winning will be easy.

Victory is necessary though, as the Blues are 2-1 down from the first leg at the San Siro.

"We will go out of our way to break that run," Ancelotti said on Monday, when reminded of Inter's record under Mourinho

"Losing their last game could put them under pressure but on the other hand the fact that they have now got to turn around that result and react well can urge the players on to react immediately.

"We mustn't think about Inter being out of form. They have shown themselves to be a top quality team and are very strong. We have to prepare for an Inter team that is playing their best football."

Ancelotti also confirmed that Ross Turnbull would be in goal for the hosts as Petr Cech and Hilario are both still injured.

"It's not possible for Cech or Hilario to recover, so Turnbull will play and Rhys Taylor will stay on the bench like on Saturday," he explained.

"There's no chance of me taking a risk on Cech. Turnbull is a confident lad and we have confidence in him. Until now, Cech has not trained so it's impossible that he might play tomorrow.

"We have to play well as a team. Cech is injured, but Turnbull is a good goalkeeper who has played very well this season and improved every day.

"So, for me, it's not a problem. Cech has more experience than Turnbull for sure, but Ross is young and has enthusiasm to play. He wants to play and, for him, this will be a great, great experience."

There would still be time for a little socialising after the game though, depsite the intensity of the occasion.

"For sure if Mourinho wants a glass of wine after the game we can have a good conversation," Ancelotti smiled.

"This will happen regardless of the result."

Drogba: Make Some Noise

Didier Drogba has appealed to all Chelsea fans heading to Stamford Bridge on Tuesday to take up position early and help make it a night to remember.

Anyone present for recent memorable Champions League nights in SW6, such as the victory over Barcelona in 2005 or the Drogba-inspired conquests of Liverpool in the past two seasons, knows the Bridge on such occasions can be a cauldron of noise and colour, and our leading scorer emphasises the benefits of a repeat on the team's chances against Inter cannot be underestimated.

'Tuesday is very important for the club, the Champions League is a competition we really want to win,' Drogba said, talking to Chelsea TV.

'I want to send a message to all the fans to come and make some noise on Tuesday and be behind us.'

The match will see first and second-places in the African Player of the Year, announced last week, go head to head as Drogba attempts to outscore Samuel Eto'o.

'I am very happy. I was not expecting this type of present,' Drogba said on winning the continental accolade.

'Eto'o is a fantastic player and I know on Tuesday he is going to come here and do his best. He had a great season [with Barcelona] but they gave the award to me and I am happy.

'I was the first player from the Ivory Coast to win the award and I have done it twice and it is amazing because I know what it means to the country. It is an amazing year for Africa [with the World Cup] and to be best player in Africa is fantastic and I hope there is more to come.'

Drogba is also one of the favourites to win Player of the Year in England given the goal-laden season he is enjoying and Chelsea's push for honours, but he remains cautious.

'It is a new challenge and would be great but for that I think we have to win something like the Champions League. It is very important for me and the club to win major trophies first and then to be Player of the Year would be fantastic.'

Flags or scarves will be laid out at seats around the stadium for tomorrow's game but please bring your own colour and singing voices, and please arrive early to raise the temperature ahead of kick-off.

Malouda: Focused On Football

In-form Florent Malouda believes past allegiances will be no distraction for Chelsea's players when they step out at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday evening.

The 29-year-old Frenchman, who scored one and laid on two others in Saturday's 4-1 win over West Ham insists Jose Mourinho's return to west London as manager of opponents Inter is a far bigger deal for supporters than it is for players.

'It is more important for the fans than the players, we as players just want to beat Inter, that's the main thing,' Malouda said. 'It will be an emotional game for him but for us, as you can see from the first game, it was not disturbing for the players here at Chelsea.

'We are not thinking about history, we are trying to make history. We don't care about the past, we are just looking to win and go through tomorrow evening.'

If we are to progress to the Champions League last eight we must overturn a 2-1 deficit from the first leg in the San Siro. However we must not rush our play, according to the former Lyon man.

'We scored an away goal so normally we just need one goal to go through and I think wemust have patience against Inter and keep the balance of the team, so we won't rush to score an early goal, we have to be clever in this game and score, I hope, more than one goal,' he said.

'We have the experience of the first game where we had opportunities and just want to take those opportunities and score to go through.'

It is obvious from Malouda's relaxed demeanour that the afterglow from Saturday remains, and he was in relaxed mood alongside manager Carlo Ancelotti as he fielded questions in the Chelsea museum, temporarily converted to stage a pre-match press conference for the season's biggest game so far.

Asked to analyse the differences between Ancelotti and Mourinho, for whom he played just a couple of months under, Malouda responded light-heartedly, receiving a playful dig in the ribs from his coach, and the promise of a return to left-back duties if he kept it up.

'Physical differences?' he said, to laughter all around. 'It is difficult to answer, I didn't work with Jose for too much time but I appreciate both, and I would say that they both have a lot of experience as manager. There are so many differences I cannot answer the question, I just hope that Carlo will make me win my first Champions League.

'Both managers are trying to give the players they manage the ability to have confidence in their qualities and to use them at the right time,' he continued, straight face now on. 'That's the way they manage their team, they are close to their players and help get the best out of you when you play.'

Chelsea Deny Cole Reports

Chelsea have denied reports that defender Ashley Cole will not feature again this season and is behind schedule in his bid to recover from a broken ankle.

Cole suffered the injury to his left foot in the Blues' 2-1 defeat to Everton in February and recently returned from rehabilitation in France following an operation, which is understood to have been a success.

A report in a Sunday newspaper claimed that the England international could miss the remainder of the season and put his World Cup participation in doubt, but Chelsea have moved to quash the story.

The article also suggested that even the most optimistic reports from the Stamford Bridge medical team put his chances of making the England squad as "touch and go".

But describing such a claim as "nonsense", a Chelsea spokesman said: "The club's medical staff are delighted with Ashley's operation and the treatment he's received so far.

"Contrary to reports, he's recovering extremely well from his injury and he's bang on schedule."

Cole is set to return prior to the end of the season and stake a claim for a place in Fabio Capello's plans.

The defender remains his country's first-choice left-back following Wayne Bridge's decision to rule himself out of contention for England selection.

Portugal Offering An Escape Route For Troubled Keeper Henrique Hilario

Chelsea supporters may not have much confidence in Henrique Hilario, but it seems their feelings are not shared by Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz.

And, when it comes to being popular, it is a safe assumption Hilario would prefer to have the backing of his national team manager than the Stamford Bridge faithful.

Not least because there is a World Cup coming up in June, when Hilario expects to be part of Queiroz's squad competing in South Africa. And the trophy is not the only thing at stake for Hilario.

He knows he could find himself in the most viewed shop-window of all time and that a string of good performances will not only win over some of his doubters, but probably secure him a multi-million pound move to a new club to end his misery in the Premier League.

No footballer would ever want to hear themselves described as 'not as bad as people think he is' or a 'weak link' or, worse still, 'a total liability.'

Yet these are just some of the descriptions attributed to the former Porto and Nacional keeper of late due to his faltering form for Carlo Ancelotti's side.

Yet he kept a clean sheet in Chelsea's FA Cup quarter-final triumph over Stoke City and many a goalkeeper has perished against Tony Pulis's side this season.

Ridicule appears to follow him like a shadow, however, with there being a genuine disparity between his performances on the pitch and the criticism he receives off it.

Yet it seems Hilario has support in high places, just when he needs it. He remains in a fierce battle with three rivals to claim the back-up goalkeeping place to Eduardo in Queiroz's final squad.

Rui Patricio, Jose Moreira, Daniel Fernandes and Beto will also fancy their chances, but it seems Hilario remains at the forefront of Queiroz's thoughts after winning his first international cap in their 2-0 victory over China in an international friendly.

He played the second half of the game, kept a clean sheet and remains second in line. Queiroz said: "He has done well considering he hasn't always been first choice with his club. But he has experience and this counts for a lot."

Chelsea's first team coach Ray Wilkins added: "Supporters nowadays will always have a pop at the errors and as a goalkeeper, when you make a mistake you've lost a goal. But Hilario is experienced enough to come through all that."

Mourinho - I Don't Lose At The Bridge

Jose Mourinho is expecting a happy return to Chelsea, insisting he does not lose at Stamford Bridge.

The Portuguese coach enjoyed three trophy-laden years in charge of the Blues between 2004-07.

His success in England was built on the most formidable of home records, with Chelsea rarely tested never mind beaten in their own backyard.

Mourinho is set to return to west London on Tuesday with his current employers Inter Milan, with the Italians looking to defend a slender lead from the first leg of their UEFA Champions League clash.

A place in the quarter-finals of Europe's premier club competition is up for grabs, with Inter holding a 2-1 advantage.

Mourinho is confident the Serie A giants will be the ones to book a place in the last eight, with his record at Stamford Bridge suggesting the Blues have it all to do.

"Everybody knows Mourinho doesn't lose at Stamford Bridge," he said.

"My record is unbeatable. It is amazing - we were so strong for such a long time."

While Mourinho is keen to drag up the past ahead of the crunch clash, Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack has warned that his mind games will not work.

The Germany international insists the Portuguese coach is 'history' and will not be allowed to stand in the way of the Blues' quest to land the only major trophy to have eluded them over recent years.

"Jose won two League titles, that is why he is so popular here," said Ballack.

"But that is history and now we have a new coach, with new players.

"This competition is the one we couldn't win until now. That is why we are so hungry."

Ancelotti: No Need To Rush

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has confidence that goalkeeper Ross Turnbull will help the Blues to defeat Inter Milan in the second leg over their Champions League Round of 16 tie on Tuesday night.

Turnbull was in goal on Saturday for Chelsea’s 4-1 win over West Ham United which sent the Blues back into first place in the Premier League.

With first choice keeper Petr Cech still struggling with a calf injury and back-up Henrique Hilario suffering from a groin injury he picked up against Stoke City last week the young Englishman Turnbull will have to help Chelsea overcome a 2-1 deficit at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night.

Ancelotti is positive that the 25-year-old keeper will assist Chelsea’s attempt to earn a spot in the Champions League quarter-finals.

"We can play with a good goalkeeper on Tuesday. Ross was not involved a lot of time in the game but he did a good save in the last minute of the match,” he told The Sun.

"He played with confidence and a good game. There was no worry. This is important.

"He deserved to play this game because he trained very well in the last month to improve his quality. We have confidence in him. I think he will play Tuesday." Carlo Ancelotti insists his side will play a patient game against Inter on Tuesday night.

The Blues need to score and to win to overcome the 2-1 deficit from the first leg but with a single strike enough to go through to the quarter-finals, it is just as important to keep the Serie A side away from our goal over the 90 minutes.

'I don't think we have to score early,' says Ancelotti. 'We need to play well, in a game with balance, because then we can still score in the last minute of the game.

'We want to start the game well and play well but we don't need a goal straight away.

'The Champions League takes out a lot of energy,' he continues, 'not only physically but mentally and it is not easy. But we have to do a very good job to maintain concentration in every game.'

Inter don't come into the game in great form having lost to Catania on Friday and drawn three and won just one of the four league games before that. They have also seen red cards shown to Sulley Muntari, Walter Samuel and Ivan Cordoba in that period.

'In Italy they have a problem with this,' reckons Ancelotti, 'they have been drawing a lot but this is a different competition, with different referees and different atmospheres.'

Chelsea are more concerned with an injury list that will again see several major players missing on Tuesday.

'I don't think too much about this because all the teams in this moment have this problem,' the manager says. 'It is important but you cannot do anything about traumatic injuries, it happens.'

For the British sports media, there will only be one story that occupies them in the build up to this week's game - Jose Mourinho's return to Stamford Bridge.

'Mourinho deserves to have a good reception because he did a fantastic job,' says Ancelotti. 'Together with Roman [Abramovich] he put a team into the best position in the world.

'I just hope that in the future, in a very long time, when I come back to Chelsea, I'll have this same reception.'

Cole Bombshell For England

Ashley Cole’s World Cup dreams are virtually over after it was revealed he will not play for Chelsea again this season.

And even the most optimistic reports from the Stamford Bridge medical team put his chances of making the England squad as 'touch and go'.

Cole broke his left ankle on February 11 against Everton and underwent an operation to have three pins inserted in the bone.

He has spent three weeks in Biarritz undergoing intensive rehabilitation but is still on crutches and cannot put any weight on the foot.

There is still major swelling around the injury and Chelsea doctors fear his recovery has fallen behind schedule because of the seriousness of the break.

A Chelsea source said: "Ashley is still in a bad way. We were hoping he would be further on in his recovery but the signs are not good as far as the World Cup is concerned. At best, it's touch and go for South Africa.

"It's hugely unlikely he will play another league game this season and that only leaves the FA Cup or Champions League finals to prove his fitness."

That would not be enough time for Cole to convince Fabio Capello that he is fit enough to travel to South Africa.

Capello's 30-man preliminary squad joins up on May 17 and travel to Austria where the England boss will cull seven players.

The Italian has made it clear he will not risk ANY injured players in the tournament which leaves him with a major problem at left back.

Wayne Bridge does not want to be considered for England duty while John Terry is in the squad.

That leaves the inexperienced pair of Leighton Baines and Stephen Warnock as Capello's only options should Cole be ruled out.

Barcelona To Battle Manchester United And Chelsea For Angel Di Maria

Benfica winger Angel Di Maria looks like being one of the major names in the summer transfer window with Barcelona the latest club to show an interest in the Argentinean.

Spanish newspaper El Mundo Deportivo claims that Barcelona are already considering a summer swoop but face competition from Premier League giants Manchester United and Chelsea.

The Catalan giants believe they can secure Di Maria for less than they would have to pay for Franck Ribery as Pep Guardiola aims to sign a replacement for Thierry Henry on the left side of their attack.

Di Maria has a buyout clause of 50 million euros but Benfica will reportedly accept a fee of close to 25 million.

Alongside Barcelona, Chelsea and Manchester United, fellow Spanish giants Real Madrid are also keeping an eye on developments.

Reports in recent months claimed Chelsea had sent Frank Arnesen on scouting trips to watch Di Maria whilst Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson sees him as the long term replacement for Ryan Giggs.

Chelsea Midfielder Deco Hopes To Join Corinthians After World Cup

Portuguese international midfielder Deco has said on Brazilian television that he expects to leave Chelsea at the end of the season and hopes to join Corinthians.

Speaking to the "On the Road" program, Deco said: "I am anticipating a return to Brazil. I would like to go to Corinthians but if I have another good proposal from a club in Brazil I will end up going."

Deco explained that he will leave Chelsea after the World Cup as he has "some family problems" even though his contract expires at the end of the 2010/2011 season.

The 32-year-old added: "I want to go back to Brazil… the dream of playing for Corinthians is perhaps the only thing in my career left to achieve."

Deco has played 18 games for Carlo Ancelotti’s Chelsea side in 2009/2010, scoring two goals and providing one assist. He was an unused substitute for the 4-1 victory over West Ham on Saturday.

Reaction: Confidence Flo-Ing

Having watched his team run out comfortable winners against the only London side to have previously taken a point off them, Carlo Ancelotti was confident the Manchester City defeat is now out of Chelsea's system.

It could have been one of those afternoons when it all went badly wrong with West Ham equalising Alex's opener with a goal they had barely threatened. But the side that drew 1-1 with us at Upton Park in December and on their visit to Stamford Bridge last season were blown away by a second-half Didier Drogba brace and a Florent Malouda goal.

'We played a good match and were better in the second half,' decided Ancelotti as he assessed the 4-1 win that put Chelsea back on top.

'It was important to have a good performance and to return to playing our football with confidence. I am happy for this, not only for the result. Now we want to maintain this concentration and determination because every game could decide our future.

'It was important to have a good reaction after losing to Manchester City. We had that against Stoke City and improved on that in this game. It was a bad day against Manchester City and we came back the right way.'

Key to the win was the performance of Malouda who not only scored the third goal but tortured West Ham right-back Jonathan Spector all afternoon, supplying the delivery for Chelsea's first two goals; two of 16 crosses from the France international during his 86 minutes on the pitch.

'That was the best performance of Florent Malouda,' praised his manager.

'He did very well, worked for the team, did fantastic assists for goals and I hope that he will play like today on Tuesday. He won't play left-back,' Ancelotti smiled.

West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola had surprised many with his team selection by leaving out the creative Alessandro Diamanti in favour of player s he believed could do a better job counter-attacking.

'It was tough after Chelsea's second goal,' said the former Stamford Bridge favourite. 'Before that we looked okay and Scott Parker in the middle was dominating the scene. But then John Terry came through the middle and we made a mistake because Behrami and Spector both went to challenge him and Terry put the ball wide.The cross was perfect as you'd expect from a quality player like Malouda. The rest was easy for Drogba.

'That is the difference. Teams like Chelsea really punish you when you make mistakes. I believe the score at the end was too much. It doesn't reflect the game.'

It took until the final minute of the second-half for West Ham to properly test Ross Turnbull for a second time in the game and the Chelsea league debutant keeper was up to that task.

'Turnbull was not involved a lot of times but he did a good save at the last minute and he played with confidence. This is important,' said Ancelotti.

'He deserved to play this game because he has trained very well.I think he will play on Tuesday.'