Chelsea boss delighted with squad depth as much-changed Chelsea round off group with a win
Thursday 11 December 2014 07:37, UK
Andre Schurrle is firmly in Jose Mourinho's plans, but must learn to adapt to the Premier League more, the Chelsea manager told Sky Sports 1 HD.
Schurrle, who was outstanding in the 3-1 win over Sporting Lisbon at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night, was back in the team as a new-look Chelsea side impressed.
His goal from the edge of the area put Chelsea 2-0 up and the German put forward a good case for more minutes domestically, having started just four times in the Premier League this season.
Mourinho said: “He is in my plans. We had a problem when he went to the national team the last time and he came back very, very ill and was in trouble for quite a long time.
“Today he had 75 minutes to improve his form, he is a player who needs to adapt better to the Premier League but is also a player that in three shots usually scores a goal. That’s an important quality.”
Willian was rested for the final Group G game alongside John Terry, Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois, but the performances of those coming in pleased Mourinho, who believes his side have a better chance of winning the competition than last year.
He added: “We did our job, we were professional, we cannot make fun with football, and I’m pleased with my team. It was a good reaction and good for players who are not playing a lot to get more minutes.
“Last year we were close (to winning) and we didn’t have the team playing at such a high level as we have this season, so we can dream. But let’s see if the sharks let us do that, there are a few sharks in the ocean.”
Mourinho brought on 18-year-old Ruben Loftus-Cheek for his debut with seven minutes remaining, and the Chelsea manager is in no doubt the midfielder has a big future.
He said: “Obviously he has a lot to improve but he has great potential. If people around him don’t make things difficult for me, he can be a big player.”
