Zico ready to attack Chelsea

Fenerbahce boss Zico will remain faithful to his Brazilian heritage by sending out his side to attack Chelsea – but he may have to do it without his compatriot Roberto Carlos.

The Turkish title-holders had been hoping for their left-back to help take the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final to Avram Grant’s men after he recovered from a shin injury.

However, the veteran has only been in training for four days and Zico concedes he is likely to start on the bench at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium.

“He cannot complete 90 minutes at the moment but he is doing better,” said the Fenerbahce boss.

Zico played for Brazil in the 1982 World Cup, arguably the best team not to have won the tournament – and his attacking philosophy has stuck with him into management.

Chelsea have not conceded a goal in six Champions League games – and they have a recent history of starting off being hard to beat – but Zico feels his side have the quality to cause them trouble.

“My philosophy as a player and a coach did not change, the entertainment side of football is about scoring goals. As a coach I have the same aims – clean performances with fair play and entertainment,” he said.

In Fenerbahce’s favour is the fact that they are unbeaten in the Champions League at their Istanbul home this season.

“We are ready for the game,” Zico added.

“We deserve the place we have now as we have shown our character is to attack.

“Chelsea have a strong defence, we know that, but we also have a good attacking team and good attackers, so we believe we can break their defence.”

Chelsea can also expect the traditional hostile welcome from Fener fans.

“Our fans are so passionate, it drives the team and the players. Chelsea players and fans can expect it to be no different,” said Zico.

Chelsea will be without Petr Cech in goal and Carlo Cudicini looked uncomfortable deputising against Middlesbrough at the weekend, but Zico added: “Apart from looking nervous, he also made good saves so it is not something we can focus on.

“There are always mistakes in a match. The key is to reduce them to a minimum level ourselves and take advantage when our opponents make them.”

Zico has made huge strides in his short time in the Turkish capital and he feels facing Chelsea will be a measure of their progress.

“There are three things that can show progress – improving the level of football, working hard and improving the squad. We will see how well we are doing when we face Chelsea,” he said.