The Blues underperformed in the first leg in Athens two weeks ago but, after a securing a goalless draw, any victory at Stamford Bridge will see them reach the quarter-finals.
Here is how the two clubs shape up:
Avram Grant finds himself under real pressure for the first time since replacing the hugely popular Jose Mourinho in September. Having suffered an upset in the Carling Cup final against Tottenham, the Blues boss cannot afford another shock against Olympiacos or in Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final at Barnsley. His overall record is comparable to that of Mourinho, although he has developed a worrying habit of losing key games.
Panagiotis 'Takis' Lemonis underwent his coaching apprenticeship with several modest Greek clubs and trained under an English Football Association programme having won many domestic titles as a player. He managed Olympiacos for nearly two years having been promoted from assistant boss in November 2002 and returned to the club in 2006, winning the title last season.
Chelsea have been major players in Europe since Roman Abramovich's takeover and are invariably involved in the second half of the season. But Mourinho's departure was largely down to his failure to bring home the European Cup trophy and this is the competition the hierarchy really want to win.
Olympiacos had never won away from home in the Champions League until this season's triumph at Werder Bremen in the group stage. While trophies have been scarce in Europe, they have reached the Champions League group stage in the last 11 seasons.
No comments:
Post a Comment