30 May 2007, by Sean Gillen

Mourinho plots path to Champions League glory

“I won it before – I want to win it with Chelsea”

Jose Mourinho has outlined his ambition to win the Champions League with Chelsea next season, after three frustrating years in Europe since his arrival at Stamford Bridge.

The Portuguese manager won the competition with FC Porto in 2004, but has been hindered by two semi-final disappointments during his three years in England.

“Winning is a habit, winning is culture, winning has a lot of mental preparation and I am very happy with it here,” Mourinho told ChelseaTV.

“I just feel the last step is to take this feeling, or this little bit of luck to European competition. Chelsea played three Champions League semi-finals in the last four years, which is fantastic, but couldn’t play one single final.”

“This club wants more and we want more. I won it before but past is past, I want to do it with Chelsea. The players, they want to do it but we have to do it without being obsessed because being obsessed doesn’t help.”

“We have to understand the game. Understanding the game is two or three minutes to go, we score against Man United and win the FA Cup. Against Liverpool we couldn’t score two penalties in three shots and details make the difference.”

“We cannot be obsessed. We must just keep doing our work and trying to improve and for sure next season we will improve because I don’t believe in the same kind of season in medical terms. The natural tendency is to improve.”

Mourinho’s comments add further weight to the growing belief that the charismatic Portuguese will remain with the London club for next season.