Champions League

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Sep 19, 2012 at 7.45pm UK

Chelsea
2-2
Juventus

John-Obi Mikel: 'We can retain Champions League crown'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 18 September 2012

Chelsea midfielder John-Obi Mikel believes that his side can make history by becoming the first team to retain the Champions League.

Chelsea midfielder John-Obi Mikel has backed his side to become the first team to retain the Champions League title.

The Blues shocked many by winning the competition for the first time in their history last season, beating the likes of Barcelona on the way.

No team has ever retained the crown since it was rebranded as the 'Champions League', but Mikel believes that Chelsea's summer signings could help them make history by doing so.

"I think we worked very hard for what we achieved last season. But, at the same time, you need luck in everything you do. So, yeah, we were kind of lucky but, this season, it's a different story altogether," said Mikel.

"We brought in new players that are going to help us in this campaign. So, hopefully this season, we can play good football and win games. And hopefully, we can go very, very far in this tournament - hopefully get to the final again.

"We're still hungry. There are still players in that dressing room that still want to retain this trophy. We want to build on it, we don't want to stop, and hopefully we can build on it this season."

Chelsea kick off their defence of their crown against Juventus tomorrow.