10 August 2007, by Lorna Danion

Ricardo Carvalho stresses importance of solid start

Defender targets new English record

Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho has stressed the importance of a good start, as the Blues get set to begin the new Premiership season on Sunday against Birmingham.

The London side are aiming to recapture the English championship after Manchester United prevented them from winning the title for the third year running last season, and Portuguese Carvalho says the team must cope with their current injury crisis and make a good start.

“We have to start well, play well and start winning our games. Starting the Premiership is important, we have our objectives and for that we have to play well and win our games,” he said.

“Even in friendly games it is important to win to get in condition to play seriously and play well. We have a lot of injuries but we have a good team and the players are ready.

“We must be strong because the injuries have come and you have to be prepared to play. All the players here want to play and we have our chance to help the team and become stronger. Everyone is a big player here so we have to show our strength.”

Sunday’s match at Stamford Bridge is also an opportunity for Jose Mourinho’s men to break an English record, with the Blues set to break Liverpool’s 63-game undefeated home league run if they can avoid losing to the Midlands outfit.

“It’s always important to beat our records and important to carry on winning our games at home,” said Carvalho of the record. “We are strong at home and we have to carry that on.”

“It is important for me. Normally we win, and if we draw it’s a disaster for us so let’s carry on winning our games at home.”