Ranieri piles pressure on Blues

Former Blues boss aiming to end Chelsea's dreams

Last updated: 19th December 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Ranieri piles pressure on Blues

Ranieri: Ready for Chelsea return

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Juventus coach Claudio Ranieri insists all the pressure is on Chelsea after being drawn against his former club in the UEFA Champions League.

Ranieri will make an emotional return to Stamford Bridge after spending four seasons at the club before being replaced by Roman Abramovich in favour of Jose Mourinho in 2004.

The Italian admits that it is one of the toughest ties his side could have faced, but he believes if would be a "disaster" if the Londoners failed to progress.

"I can't say that I'm happy," said Ranieri.

"But it's a beautiful tie, a fascinating one and we will have to be in top form.

"Chelsea is a team that is constructed to win the Champions League and for Abramovich not to win it, it would be a disaster.

"For our part, we will try to stop Chelsea from reaching the top of the world which is where Abramovich has programmed them to arrive to.

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"They are one of the favourites to win the tournament and last year they only lost the trophy on penalties.

"It's a difficult but a stimulating tie for us but I don't think they will be happy to be facing us."

Despite his departure, the Rome-born tactician still has found memories of Chelsea.

"You cannot forget four years at a club," added Ranieri.

"I don't think Chelsea forget either."