Chelsea striker Didier Drogba already has his sights set on the Champions League final ahead of tomorrow’s last-16 first-leg clash with Juventus at Stamford Bridge.
The 30-year-old Ivory Coast frontman is still haunted by memories of last season’s defeat on penalties to Manchester United in the final, and is determined to put that right this term.
He told www.lequipe.fr: "My desire to win this trophy is bigger than ever, having lost twice in the semi-finals and once in the final.
“It is a difficult competition for us. Memories of Moscow are hard to erase, I still think (about it).
“Our supporters deserve to have won the Champions League and this year we will play the same way to reach the final and this time we will bring the trophy to Stamford Bridge.”
Former Chelsea striker and manager Gianluca Vialli believes the appointment of Guus Hiddink as Chelsea coach makes Juventus’s task even more difficult.
Vialli has more interest than most in the tie. He represented both clubs as a player and managed the Blues for 18 months following the sacking of Ruud Gullit.
The Italian feels Juve boss Claudio Ranieri, who also coached Chelsea before making way for Jose Mourinho, perhaps has the upper hand, but says the task has been made harder by Hiddink replacing the axed Luiz Felipe Scolari.
“With the old coach the tie would have been in Juve’s favour,” said Vialli. “Hiddink has already made an impact. Now they will want to confirm it in Europe.”
Playing the second leg at home should be in the Bianconeri’s favour but Vialli is wary of Chelsea’s impressive away form.
“Strangely, it will be harder in Turin because Chelsea play better away from home and get better results,” he continued.
“At home the noise of the crowd urges them forward and they do not always succeed.
“Chelsea are lacking a midfielder like (Michael) Essien. (John Obi) Mikel is still not up to his level. If (Mohamed) Sissoko plays like he did on Saturday, Chelsea should be worried.”
Vialli added: “There will be fantastic duels. (Didier) Drogba and (Nicolas) Anelka against (Nicola) Legrottaglie and (Giorgio) Chiellini; (Alessandro) Del Piero and Amauri against (John) Terry and Alex.
