"Lisbon's „Sporting“ team strategist Marco Silva expressed the opinion that future opponents of his players, London's „Chelsea“, could compete for the UEFA Champions League trophy.
This summer, Jose Mourinho acquired Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa, who so far play important roles in the „aristocrats“ team and helped them rise to the top of the English league table.
Although the „blues“ played their first Champions League game against „Schalke“ to a draw, Silva pays no attention to it and says that the English are one of the strongest.
„Chelsea are favorites not only to take the first place in the group, but also to be in the final with four or five other clubs,“ said the coach.
„They are a very strong team. They have added several players this season and will aim for both the national and Champions League trophies. We will play against a truly powerful opponent. It will be a challenge for the Sporting team.“
„Playing against such a club at home is a big event for us and the fans. However, we do not intend to change our game. We have our weapons.“
In the first tournament match, „Sporting“ played to a draw of 1-1 against „Maribor“.
