The day before the game with Shakhtar at Stamford Bridge, the Chelsea manager held his pre-match press conference.
- What could you tell about the squad? Who is unavailable for the game?
- We need to wait for the last session tonight to check availability for tomorrow and see how Juan Mata and David Luiz come through tonight in the training session.
- Can Ashley Cole take part in tomorrow’s game?
- Ashley won't be available for tomorrow. He has a problem with his hamstring.
- When is he expected to return to full fitness?
- He shouldn't be too long out but the game tomorrow is too soon for him.
- Did he pick up an injury during a training session?
- Now he was injured at the weekend, in the game. It's a real shame because he's got all the experience you need in games like this so it is a real blow for us. On the other hand JT is available again for us. In these games over a long season you have to take into consideration that you might have a few injuries.
- What could you tell about Lampard’s condition?
- Frank is still about seven to 10 days away, so we will have to wait and see how he progresses but he is not far away.
- Will there be any way back if you don’t win tomorrow?
- We certainly have to win our home games, I still believe that and hopefully we can do that tomorrow. It depends on the other results, but if we win it's in our own hands and that's what we want. It's important for the club to have a successful campaign and that means we need to win tomorrow.
- What changes regarding Chelsea’s game are you going to make compared to last season?
- We've had must-win games and tomorrow is another one like that. We need to play a perfect game tomorrow against Shakhtar, but we are strong at home. We found that over many years and we will be fired up to win it.
- Maybe, Chelsea need to play more defence-minded football in Europe?
- You look at the goals in the Champions League and the ones we have conceded we have many players behind the ball, it isn't like we have been caught out. Sometimes you have to give credit to the opposition for the quality they have, but we have to focus on what we can do and the problems we can create for the opposition. Our defensive organisation has been good. We've had defensive mistakes but when we're fully focused we're a very good team.
- In Donetsk, Shakhtar managed to create problems for your team straight from the start.
- I think we need to be at our best. We need a perfect game. Every player on the pitch needs to perform at the highest of their ability. In Donetsk the early goal helped them massively, and then to play a bit on the counter, so it's important we start well and get the crowd behind us, and draw confidence from a good start.
- You have had a lot of important games of late. What is your key to success?
- One is the strong mentality this team has, and the experience they have of performing in big games like this, not to feel the pressure too much, and also good players. We have good players in our ranks and when they manage to perform at their best we are a very strong team.
- How do you feel about Chelsea hosting the Women's Champions League Final?
- For us it's a great honour to be able to organise such a big game at Stamford Bridge. I admire women's football, I do watch it, the national football, and I think we will be a great host here for the Final.
- Will the possible failure to advance from the group taint the triumph in Munich?
- I'm not thinking about that. I really believe this club deserves whatever it can achieve. That's my position. I work here for the club and the players. It's not about me. I think it's important for the club to have a successful campaign. That means we need to win tomorrow.
- Do you feel Roman Abramovich’s support especially in light of recent rumours linking Guardiola with Chelsea job?
- From day one, the speculation has always been in the papers, so it doesn't affect me too much. I have my own destiny in my hands and the club and the owner are behind it.
