Boleh lah....
Carlo set for date with destiny
Carlo Ancelotti believes it is Chelsea's "destiny" to have to overcome Manchester United in order to win the Champions League.
Almost three years after their agonising Moscow defeat to United, the Blues will meet Sir Alex Ferguson's men over two legs in the next 11 days, with the victors favourites to reach another final.
Manager Ancelotti was not in charge when John Terry and Nicolas Anelka missed decisives penalties in the Russian capital but knows all too well the pain of such a loss.
AC Milan's 2005 defeat against Liverpool was arguably even more harrowing for the beaten side, who had led 3-0 at half-time before enduring one of the most astonishing turnarounds in the history of the game.
Milan ultimately gained redemption by defeating the Reds in the final two years later and Ancelotti believes his Chelsea side can do the same against United.
"For us (Milan), that was moment was our destiny, to play against Liverpool two years later in the final of the Champions League," said the Italian, who reckons captain Terry and his Moscow team-mates will be similarly motivated against United.
"John Terry will think what he lost in that game and if the players think about this, obviously, they are not happy.
"But I think that could be a good motivation, because this could be our destiny.
"This could really be the time for Chelsea to do something in the Champions League."
So closely matched are United and Chelsea that it is perfectly possible for their quarter-final to end in another shoot-out.
But would Terry have the character to step up after missing the spot-kick that would have won the Londoners the Champions League in Moscow?
"He's not in the first five players to take one, but if he needs to, he will take one," said Ancelotti.
Chelsea's hurt extends much further than Moscow, with the Blues consistently going closer than anyone to winning the Champions League in the past seven years without lifting the trophy.
Having twice succeeded with Milan, Ancelotti was recruited to end that drought and, although he failed last season, his hunger for the European Cup remains undiminished.
"It is my favourite trophy," said the Italian, who continues to deny suggestions his Stamford Bridge future could depend on winning silverware this term.
"I don't think that they require that I win a trophy to save my position.
"I also think that the club does not think this.
"It's important to win for the image of the club, for the players."
European Cup success has become part of the culture at clubs like Milan, Real Madrid, Liverpool and United, a mentality Ancelotti aims instil at Chelsea.
"It's important to have tradition and history in the Champions League," he said.
"The experience of the team, the personality of the player, the character, are very important for this kind of game where there is a lot of pressure.
"The reason why Milan won a lot of Champions Leagues was that - the tradition of the club.
"For Man United, it is the same. The power of this team is obviously that they have (Wayne) Rooney, a lot of fantastic players and a fantastic coach.
"But the history and tradition of this club is also its power."
Chelsea may not have a European Cup-winning tradition but what they do have is a seemingly limitless transfer kitty which allowed owner Roman Abramovich to splash £50million on Fernando Torres in pursuit of his dream.
The arrival of the Spain striker, whose goal drought continued after he came off the bench in Saturday's Premier League game at Stoke, sparked rumours Didier Drogba's days at Stamford Bridge were numbered.
But Ancelotti said: "I spoke with Didier about this and his thought is this: that Torres is here to improve the power of the team. And for, this reason, he is happy.
"If he thought that Chelsea had bought Torres to replace him, obviously he would not be happy."
Torres and Drogba have struggled to build up an on-field rapport but Ancelotti laughed off suggestions the latter was reluctant to pass to his new team-mate.
"This is pub talk," he said.
"When we drink in Italy we usually say 'bar sport'.
"If there is a possibility, they pass the ball without problem."