Johansson - No axe to grind with Chelsea
UEFA president Lennart Johansson has denied attacking Chelsea and the club’s billionaire owner Roman Abramovich.
Johansson moved swiftly to quell any lingering misunderstanding after being upset by the interpretation of his remarks on club ownership following a press conference in London on Thursday.
Johansson told the club’s chief executive Peter Kenyon that he had not singled out Chelsea or Abramovich for criticism regarding their ownership structure.
The Swede (aged 76), stressed he was not referring to any individual club and added: “I’m saddened if my remarks are used against any individual club because it’s not for me to comment on any club compared to another.
“As we look across the European football scene it’s clear that there are many issues and challenges that have to be faced.
“I have highlighted two of these (player behaviour and club ownership) which are matters for the whole of the game to consider but I do not regard this as a matter for one club or one individual.
“I do have concerns about the future direction of club ownership but we have to be realistic about the realities of the market. The important thing is to ensure good corporate governance and financial transparency. These should be the aims of every professional football club.”
Johansson also distanced himself from comments regarding any possible disciplinary proceedings against Chelsea as a result of events during the match in Barcelona and any implied criticism of Jose Mourinho.
He insisted that Barcelona’s actions would also come under scrutiny although Chelsea are likely to face a fine for getting six yellow cards.
Champions League rules state there is an automatic fine for five or more yellows in one game.
Johansson added: “On the crucial issue of behaviour in the game I do think there were issues at the recent Barcelona versus Chelsea match which will need to be looked at by the UEFA disciplinary bodies in relation to both clubs.
“It’s a matter for the UEFA disciplinary process, not for me personally. It’s not my intention to single out any individual.”
Meanwhile Chelsea goalkeeper Hilario is confident he can hold on to the number one jersey, despite competition from Italian Carlo Cudicini as they prepare to face Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Sunday.
He was surprisingly selected by Jose Mourinho for both the win at Sheffield United and the draw with Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League in midweek even though Cudicini is now fit following his bout of concussion.
Hilario has grabbed his chance because of the skull injury sustained by Petr Cech in the win over Reading last month. Cudicini was also concussed in the same game and that has allowed the former Porto goalkeeper to make the most of his opportunity.
Hilario played for Porto for a total of four seasons, mainly as an understudy to Portugal goalkeeper Vitor Baia, and it was there that he and Mourinho struck up a firm friendship.
Hilario helped Cech to the dressing room on the day of his injury and says they have encouraged each other by phone ever since.
Hilario revealed: “We have exchanged messages and we have spoken and encouraged each other in our conversations.
“When he suffered the injury I followed it all the way. It was a shock what happened to Petr and I stayed with him to help. I was thinking only of Petr.
“I understood it was a risk coming to Chelsea but when I arrived I said I wanted to work hard, be part of the team and make it difficult for the coach.
“At the start of the season nobody told me playing in the Nou Camp was a possibility for me but I believe I could have played in any match for Chelsea.”
