Ronaldinho relief at Chelsea group clash
Barcelona star Ronaldinho has expressed his relief at playing Chelsea in the group stages of this season’s Champions League.
Following Thursday’s draw in Monaco, Blues manager Jose Mourinho’s side face Barca in European football’s premier club competition for the third successive season.
On the previous two occasions the meetings have been in the last 16, and turned into hostile affairs with no love lost.
This time around the two teams are in Group A, along with German side Werder Bremen and first-timers to the tournament, Bulgarian champions Levski Sofia.
However, it is the renewed rivalry between Chelsea and reigning European Cup holders Barca that will again capture the imagination.
World player of the year and Barcelona star Ronaldinho again knows no quarter will be given, but is happy to take on Chelsea early.
“Chelsea have always been very difficult opponents in past seasons,” said Ronaldinho. "Both teams have world-class players, and with the way we know each other we are going to have to put a lot into the two games.
“But I think it’s better we meet Chelsea now as they’re such a strong team, rather than having to cope with them later. At least we can both go through. It gives you impetus, but we cannot discount Werder Bremen because they are also a strong team.”
In particular, Ronaldinho has noted the additions at Stamford Bridge of Michael Ballack and Andriy Shevchenko, and added: “Chelsea will be stronger still. They have signed high-quality players, so they will certainly be stronger than last season and that will make things more difficult for us.”
