Mourinho: Chelsea are ready for anyone
Jose Mourinho says Chelsea will relish playing in the Champions League semi-finals regardless of who they are drawn against.
They overturned a two-goal deficit from the first leg, with substitute Demba Ba’s late winner against Paris St-Germain taking them through on away goals.
Branislav Ivanovic must serve a Champions League suspension after being booked against PSG, while January signings Nemanja Matic and Mohamed Salah are currently ineligible for the tournament.
But Mourinho believes his side’s fighting spirit means no team can afford to underestimate them.
His former club Real Madrid will be in Friday’s draw, while the likes of Bayern Munich and Barcelona could also be in the last four.
The Blues boss declared: “If the quarter-finals had eight fantastic teams, imagine the four that are going to reach the semis.
“A big opponent is waiting for us but it doesn’t matter who – they know we are a team with a special spirit, even if we are not at the maximum of our potential because Matic and Salah cannot play and now Ivanovic is suspended.
“We are going to enjoy it, the same way I told the players we have to enjoy this game.”
Ba has struggled to make an impact since a £7m move from Newcastle last year but was in the right place at the right time when a late chance came his way.
And Mourinho was full of praise for the Senegalese striker, who has been widely tipped to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season.
“I am happy for Demba. He’s a good guy, a good pro and a good group man,’ said Mourinho,
“His enthusiasm was fantastic and he gave problems to PSG that they don’t normally have in the French league. His goal means a lot for him and for the club.”
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