Chelsea wary of Copenhagen

Despite drawing FC Copenhagen in the last 16 of the Champions League, Chelsea admit they will be ‘very careful’ before facing the Danish side.

Chelsea’s opponents became the first side from Denmark to reach the round of 16 and will be no easy-beats, according to Blues chief executive Ron Gourlay.

Gourlay rejected suggestions Carlo Ancelotti’s side had won an ‘easy draw’ and is expecting FC Copenhagen to fully test the reigning Premier League champions.

“There are no easy games at this stage, but we will be very careful,” Gourlay told Sky Sports News.

“They have played 10 games so far in the Champions League in qualifying, second to Barcelona, so they’re a very, very good side.”

“I think they have won something in the region of 16 out of 19 games, so they are bound to be dangerous.”

Gourlay said the fact Denmark was not far to travel also excited the Chelsea camp and believes the experience of Ancelotti – a man who has won the Champions League four times, twice as a player and twice as a coach – will help Chelsea.

“It’s great to have so much experience. We’ve also got plenty of experience with our players, so yes of course it’s a plus point but you’ve still got to play very well on the day,” he said.

“If we play to our ability as a team, then we’re a match for any club.”

Gourlay also said Chelsea’s come-from-behind draw against Tottenham at White Hart Lane could prove to be a turning point and end their horrible run of form which has seen them win just one of their last seven matches.

“We’ve had a difficult couple of weeks, and there were signs last week that we’re improving,” he said.

“We’ve been doing so well for so long and you hit a couple of bad results. It doesn’t mean great players have not become great players in a matter of weeks.”

“Last week the signs were there that we were picking up again and we have some key players back again, which is very important to us and we’re looking ahead to the game on Sunday (against Manchester United).”