‘I wouldn’t put them anywhere near being favourites’: Rio Ferdinand doesn’t rate Chelsea’s chances in the Champions League despite their impressive comeback against Borussia Dortmund, although he does praise Graham Potter for a ‘thoroughly deserved win’
Rio Ferdinand praised Graham Potter after Chelsea knocked Borussia Dortmund out of the Champions League on Tuesday, but admitted he doesn’t think they are ‘anywhere near being favourites’ in the tournament.
The Blues overcame a 1-0 deficit from the first leg thanks to goals from Raheem Sterling and Kai Havertz in an energetic performance.
It continues something of a turnaround for Graham Potter’s men after they also put an end to a torrid run of league form on Saturday with a 1-0 win over Leeds.
Ferdinand felt Tuesday’s win would be vital in resurrecting Chelsea’s season. He told BT Sport: ‘You can sense from the fans there’s relief. they’re desperate for this team to do well. They are used to success at Stamford Bridge.
‘There are moments in seasons that confidence kicks back in. This means something to the football club at this moment. They deserve the win tonight.
Graham Potter’s Chelsea are through to the Champions League quarter finals
Raheem Sterling and Kai Havertz both scored as they beat Borussia Dortmund 2-1 on aggregate
Rio Ferdinand said Chelsea were not ‘anywhere near being favourites’ despite the impressive win
‘The manager needed this result today and they performed well. They didn’t give up chances and they thoroughly deserved the win.’
‘A lot of these players are used to success but the fingers have been pointed at them, you can sense what this is going to mean to this club.’
The former Man United centre back credited Graham Potter for the win and said he could ‘relax’ now after weeks of mounting pressure.
Despite the result, Ferdinand, who won the UCL in 2008, was keen to stress he did not think Chelsea would win the tournament.
‘I wouldn’t put them anywhere near being favourites,’ he added, ‘no disrespect, just because of their form and where other teams are in comparison.
‘The difference this result can make for confidence right now is great, but you have to take it game by game. You can’t look any further than this weekend.’
The West London side will next be in action when they face Leicester on Saturday.
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