Carvalho thriving in big match run-in

Portugal defender enjoying “stimulating” clashes

Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho says he is enjoying the incessant run of big matches in the Premiership and Champions League, while warning his team-mates not to leave themselves open to any late disappointments when they meet Liverpool on Wednesday.

The Blues salvaged a 1-1 draw from the first leg of their Champions League semi-final at Anfield thanks to John Arne Riise’s stoppage time own goal, but thoughts immediately switch to Saturday’s league showdown with Manchester United.

Carvalho’s men are three points adrift of the leaders with three matches remaining, while a vastly inferior goal difference means that United could all but win the title if they end Chelsea’s long unbeaten domestic home record.

“This week looks endless, but it’s stimulating for it to be like this,” said the former Porto stopper.

“On Tuesday we played Liverpool and the next day we were already thinking about Manchester United. There is a lot of tension and so many great players involved.”

“I’ve spent a couple of hours chasing Torres, Kuyt, Babel and now I must concentrate myself on Rooney, Tevez, Ronaldo, Nani….”

On his side’s Champions League hopes, Carvalho said: “At Anfield, our defence was very good. As a team we were exemplary, which is not easy, considering the fact that it was Anfield, with that crowd. In the end we had a little luck, but I also could have scored beforehand.”

“The away goal is important, very important, but our thoughts remain fixed: at home, we have to win to avoid late disappointments, like Riise’s own goal.”


Related: Ricardo Carvalho PortuGOAL profile