Milan: Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho said Wednesday's Champions League last-16 first leg may be even harder because it is against a Chelsea team he knows so well.
The outspoken Portuguese left the London club in 2007 after winning two Premier League titles and claimed an Italian scudetto in his first season at Inter last term.
"I know Chelsea well but it doesn't mean it's easier. Sometimes it's more difficult because when you know so much about a team ... you can get into trouble," Mourinho told a news conference at Inter's training ground.
"I played against (former club) Porto with Chelsea the year after I left. It was my team, my players. It was not easy."
Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti moved in the opposite direction, leaving Inter's big rivals AC Milan in May to take over at Stamford Bridge.
"Carlo Ancelotti knows Inter very well. He has worked his whole life in Italian football so I don't think it's an advantage at all (that I know Chelsea)," Mourinho added before showering praise on John Terry, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba.
Mourinho has been banned for three Serie A matches by the Italian league after his latest controversial caper, making a handcuffs gesture during Saturday's 0-0 draw with Sampdoria.
Bureau Report
First Published: Wednesday, February 24, 2010, 09:50