這只是歐冠聯賽雜誌的部分擷取而已
http://www.uefa.com/magazine/news/Kind=4/newsId=129346.html
Friday, 28 November 2003
By Sam Pilger and Xavier Rivoire
With Chelsea FC having achieved their first goal on their route to
European success by reaching the knockout stage of the UEFA Champions League,
the players who joined in the summer will be rejoicing in their decision to
gamble their careers on Roman Abramovich's campaign of investing in success.
Big signing
The latest issue of Champions magazine boasts an extensive feature about
the revolution at Chelsea featuring interviews with many of the club's top
players. €23.8m winger Damien Duff was one of the big signings of the summer
from Blackburn Rovers FC, and he revealed he had doubts about joining Chelsea.
Two minds
"I definitely considered turning Chelsea down at one point," Duff told
Champions. "At Blackburn, I was guaranteed a place in the side, whereas here
I could be playing one week and not even make it into the squad the following
one. But I know I have made the right choice.
Right decision
"Chelsea gave me a once in a lifetime opportunity and I know now that I
would always have regretted rejecting the offer," added the Republic of
Ireland winger, who has proved to be a big hit with manager Claudio Ranieri
since arriving at Stamford Bridge.
Settling in
The lively and skilful 24-year-old is now thriving at Chelsea, saying: "I
have enjoyed it and loved every minute so far. It has been a big step-up for
me, but I feel good about it. I know that just by training with these players
it will make me a better player. I'm a very, very lucky lad to be part of this."
Major names
Now rubbing shoulders with the likes of Hernan Crespo, Adrian Mutu, Juan
Sebastian Veron and Claude Makelele, Duff - like so many of his team-mates -
is beginning to get used to the idea that, in such a powerful squad, no player
- however expensive or gifted - can be sure of a first-team place.
Squad pressure
"We have a squad of 24 or 25 players, so we could field two different
teams every Saturday," he said. "You can't just go to training and mess about.
You have to keep on your toes at all times. At other places you might get away
with a dip in form, but not here. I get the feeling you could score a hat-trick
one week, and not get in the side the next."
Silver trail
However, all that discomfort will be worthwhile if Chelsea's big money
recruits can bring silverware to the club. Duff has been inspired by his first
games in the Champions League, and is now hoping that his side can go on to
make his first season in the competition one to remember. "On paper, I would
say that we could win the Champions League, but it all comes down to what we
do on the pitch, so let's just wait and see," he said.
Domestic duty
Europe's premier club competition may yet be a bridge too far for
Ranieri's rapidly assembled dream team, but the Premiership crown - according
to Duff - is well within Chelsea's capabilities. "Everyone knows we have to
win it this year after all the money we've spent," he said. "I really don't
think we can afford to wait two or three years to win the championship after
the quality that has been brought in."
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