Mikel eyes Moscow revenge

Blues star hopes Terry is fit to face United

Last updated: 12th May 2008

Anderson John Obi Mikel Chelsea v Man United

Mikel in action against United

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Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel believes his side can gain revenge for losing the Premier league title to Manchester United by beating them in the UEFA Champions League final.

United pipped Chelsea to the title by two points after overcoming Wigan on the final day of the season, while the Blues were held to a draw by Bolton.

Last season, Chelsea lost their league title to United but went on to beat them 1-0 in the first FA Cup final at the new Wembley.

Mikel insists his side have set their sights on repeating the feat in Moscow with the Champions League trophy as the prize this time.

"There is a sense of frustration but determination among everyone," said Mikel.

"At the end of the day, we wouldn't have won the title anyway. We wanted to win and we knew that three points was our only chance of beating Manchester United, but it wasn't to be.

Target

"We were saying to each other afterwards that we would put things right in Moscow. We will keep working hard until the final and make sure we win the Champions League.

"Last year, they won the league and we beat them in the FA Cup final. They have won the league again but we know that we're good enough to beat them.

"They're a very good side, we all know that, but we have to focus on the day. I think we're going to win it."

Nigerian international Mikel is also praying captain John Terry recovers from the dislocated elbow he suffered against Bolton in time to play.

Terry insists he will recover to lead the team out in Moscow and Mikel admits it is vital Chelsea's skipper is fit to face United.

"John is a very important player for the team," added Mikel.

Pray
"We all pray and hope he will be fit for the final. When you look at Chelsea, we are all big players, but when people want us to stand up for ourselves, we always do that.

"I'm a young player, I respect the big players for what they've done. When we've needed them to do something, they have done.

"It has been a very good season, but it can only end on a high if we win the Champions League, and we believe we can."