The matchday programme for our Champions League Round of 16 second leg against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday is available to order now.
There’s an exclusive interview with in-form Andreas Christensen, who discusses growing confidence, momentum and the high press, as well as the mental strength we’ll need in the massive second leg ahead of us.
‘That’s kind of a focus point for the whole team,” he explains. “We have to be very comfortable on the ball and we don’t just play to play – there’s a reason behind every step we take with the ball and every pass.”
He also believes that it’s only a matter of time before we see the kind of individual expression in attacking areas that will put the finishing touches to our approach.
‘The reason we’ve been solid as a team is that we’ve been working hard as a team, with a high press and sometimes suffering together if we have to.
‘I think it’s inevitable, with the players we have, that they’re always going to have their moments, with the skills and the talent that we’ve got here. As we get better and better as a team, people are going to express themselves in every way they can. I think we can look forward to that even more.’
Thomas Tuchel and Cesar Azpilicueta look ahead to the big game and review our performance at Leeds in their columns, while Andy Myers and Ed Brand reflect on recent Academy displays. There’s also a picture special celebrating Chelsea Women’s Continental League Cup triumph, and Emma Hayes brings us up to date with the latest from the Women’s team.
Elsewhere in the programme, Mark Schwarzer looks back on a previous encounter with Atletico Madrid, when he was unexpectedly thrust centre-stage, and we take a look at the surprising number of players who have played for both clubs – there will almost certainly be one or two you’ve forgotten!
Rick Glanvill’s brick-by-brick history of Stamford Bridge continues with a look at the impressive array of international games we’ve hosted at our home ground over the years.
That’s a lot of exclusive content you wouldn’t want to miss out on. Get your copy here, priced £3.50 plus P&P, from our publications partner Reach Sport.
* Please note programme delivery is subject to Royal Mail, not guaranteed for matchday