Champions League: Cole handed recall

Chelsea v St. Bucharest

Ashley Cole returns to the Chelsea starting XI against Steaua Bucharest tonight as the Blues look to secure top spot in Group E.

Jose Mourinho’s side take on the Romanians on the back of a 4-3 win over Sunderland and 3-2 defeat to Stoke — results that have raised questions over their defensive stability.

It’s an area Mourinho admits requires work and he says England full-back Cole will relish getting back in the thick of the action.

“I know him well,” the manager said in his pre-game press conference.

“It is easy to feel that he is not happy, not comfortable with the situation, but the way he trains is super professional, as always. 

“When he is on the bench, I can feel his will to win, even if he is not on the pitch. He is a fantastic guy, full of respect from me and the players and yes he starts.”

Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic believes an improved defensive display is vital.

“It is very important to communicate on the pitch,” he said.

“The last two games were very open. It gives stability to the team when you do not concede a goal and this is important. We know where we have made mistakes and we talk after the game about where we can improve.”

The Serbian is also wary of tonight’s opponents, who have yet to win in the Champions League this season.

He said: “I think it is a very important game. We want to finish top in group. 

“We have to be 100 per cent concentrated, because they have nothing to lose.” 

Benitez seeks right balance

Napoli v Arsenal

Napoli must win by three clear goals to be assured of qualifying for the knockout phase —but manager Rafa Benitez has told his players to relax and be positive.

The Gunners are top of the group — three points ahead of both Dortmund and the Italians, who have the advantage of playing in front of their own fans at the San Paulo.

Benitez said: “Our path is very positive, however, and I have come here to live this competition.

“We were unlucky to be placed in a group that is difficult, but for me it is always better to live these games than look at the TV.

“We have confidence in ourselves. Everyone has the ability to see things in their own way.”

Benitez admitted his team must be spot-on tactically, balancing the need for goals with not giving anything away.

He said: “We shall attack but always with the right balance. 

“Attacking by pressing as we did at the beginning of the season. We will try to score right away, then we will see what the result of the other game will be.”

Napoli’s Macedonian  striker Goran Pandev says his boss has been emphasizing the need to stay calm despite the closeness of the group.

“The most important thing is to win against Arsenal,” the 30-year-old said on Uefa.com. 

“We are focused — we have prepared really well for the match. We want the three points. The coach said we should keep our heads and not feel like we are under any pressure.” 

Crunch clash in Milan

Milan v Ajax

It’s do or die for AC Milan in their crunch game against Ajax at the San Siro.

The Rossoneri, who have struggled badly in Serie A and are currently ninth, must avoid defeat to advance from the group stage. And manager Massimiliano Allegri said his team must go “up a level” if they are to fend off a late charge from the Dutch.

Allegri said in his pre-game press conference: “We are making good progress in terms of results. Tomorrow’s game is crucial and we will approach it in a determined manner.

“A draw will be enough for us but our aim is to win. The stakes are very high, so we’ll need to concentrate — we can’t afford to play for a draw. 

“They are a young side in good form, but we’re the home team. We have to be aggressive and competitive to win the match. So far we’ve performed well in the Champions League but we’ll need to go up a level.”