Chelsea want 'elusive' final

Kenyon concedes Chelsea target

Last updated: 30th August 2007  

Chelsea want 'elusive' final

Mourinho: Big expectations

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Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon has admitted that the UEFA Champions League is the club's 'elusive competition', in the aftermath of Thursday's draw in Monaco.

Jose Mourinho's side were drawn in Group B, alongside Valencia, who they knocked out of the competition last season, Schalke and Rosenborg.

After reaching the semi-final stage twice in the last four years, Kenyon admits the club are desperate to reach a final.

Seeded

"The big difference for us this year is we're seeded. We've been in two semi-finals in the last four years and got through the group stages every year," he said.

"It's the elusive competition for us really but there's a determination and that is fuelled by a squad we believe we've strengthened.

"It's not frustrating at all (to have missed out on a place in the final) but there's a huge expectation within Chelsea to get to the next stage.

"We've had our share of semis, so obviously the next stage is to get to the final.

"This is clearly a big ambition for us and one we'd like to pull off."

No signings

Kenyon continued to reiterate the club's stance with regards their reported pursuit of Barcelona's Ronaldinho.

Earlier in the day Kenyon stated his belief that Chelsea would not bring in any new faces before the close on the transfer window on Friday, and after the draw, nothing had changed his mind.

"There's been no discussion (about Ronaldinho)," he said.

"Yes, there's been a lot of speculation, as there continually is around Chelsea.

"Players of that calibre don't move in January. One, they're cup-tied (for the

Champions League) and two, they are not the transfers you do in January.

"We had a set of targets and we've concluded them, to be fair. What we've brought in is what we've targeted."

Kenyon would, though, concede that full-back Glen Johnson may be on his way out of Stamford Bridge.

"Our plans are complete but there may be a couple of players leaving.

"That will become evident within the next 24 hours. Glen may be one of those who is looking to move on."