Carlo Ancelotti: This is our time

11 April 2012

Carlo Ancelotti believes Chelsea are a much better team than last season and will prove it by knocking Manchester United out of the Champions League.

The Blues take on United in the first leg of their quarter-final at Stamford Bridge tonight and their progression in Europe has been in marked contrast to their domestic form. After winning the Double last season, Chelsea find themselves 11 points behind United in the Premier League.

However, Ancelotti is convinced his side are stronger following the signings of Fernando Torres, who cost £50million from Liverpool, and Ramires, who cost £18m from Benfica.

He also believes the players have learned their lessons from last season's round-of-16 exit to Inter Milan, which he says is the biggest disappointment since he was appointed coach at Stamford Bridge in 2009.

He told Standard Sport: "We are stronger than last season because we are in the quarter-final and we have the possibility to move on.

"To beat United we have to be at our best. The moment is good. The players are fit, are in good condition and motivated. We have to take our chance.

"Are we a better team than last season? Yes. Compared to last season we have Torres, we have Ramires. I think we have learned from losing against Inter. That was the worst moment in our season last year and we have to look forward."

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