Cesar Azpilicueta has denied that Chelsea are among the favourites for the Champions League, and has instead talked up tomorrow night’s competition – Atletico Madrid – as more likely winners.
The Spaniard made the comments as part of tonight’s prematch press conference in advance of the game tomorrow. There’s a cautious tone throughout the camp, which is unsurprising given how strong Atleti have looked in the last few weeks and over the past few seasons in the Champions League.
Azpi on Chelsea winning #UCL: "It is difficult to say we are favourites for the most difficult competition in Europe" #CFC
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) September 26, 2017
In fact Azpilicueta seems to be managing expectations quite seriously, denying that the Blues are favourites in this competition and even playing up the fact that getting three points tomorrow would be a huge result. He’s not wrong of course – Chelsea wouldn’t rank in the top three teams rated at most likely winners in any bookmaker, but let’s hope it’s just modesty and not a lack of confidence being displayed by the occasional captain.
