Parker: This is our best shot

14 April 2012

Scott Parker today warned his Chelsea team-mates that they may never get a better chance to win the European Cup.

But their assault on next year's competition could be strengthened by two major signings - David Trezeguet from Juventus and Walter Samuel from Roma.

Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon is reported to have met Trezeguet's representatives yesterday with a view to negotiating a £15million move while reports in Italy claim the Blues have tabled an official bid of £15m for Argentine defender Samuel.

England midfielder Parker is expected to shrug off a hamstring strain in time to face Monaco in tomorrow's semi-final and is confident Chelsea can overturn a 3-1 first-leg defeat.

Parker capped a memorable season by picking up the PFA Young Player of the Year Award last week but he has his sights set on more illustrious trophies.

"From my point of view I don't think there'll be a better chance to win it," he said. "It's a very good opportunity and we'll be going into the game flying, trying to get the result we need. We're very confident and know we let ourselves down in the away leg.

"We should've closed the game down but it didn't work out. We're going into the game full of confidence and know this is our big chance to go and win the Champions League.

"It took a while for the defeat to sink in and we were all disappointed. It was a massive game and when you lose massive games it hurts. We were all hurting but that's football and it's just good that we've got an opportunity to put it right. That's what we've got to do tomorrow."

Claudio Ranieri claims to know his team for tomorrow night's game but is waiting on the fitness of William Gallas. The French defender has not played for over two weeks because of a fever and 19-year-old German Robert Huth could be given his full Champions League debut.

Joe Cole could also start because Juan Veron is not fully fit following his recovery from a back injury.

Ranieri said: "Joe is a young, talented player and I believe in his qualities. I think he is a great player but he just has to stay calm. I am happy with what he can do and if he stays calm he can be a match winner. He has a great future, but he has to stay calm - the other players have to take the big responsibility, not him, he is young."

Meanwhile, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has pleaded with Ranieri to play him against Monaco tomorrow. The Dutchman is the club's top marksman this season with 18 goals and he said: "It will be very hard on me if I don't play against Monaco. We need to score goals and I have shown this season that is what I do best. I am not criticising my team-mates, just pointing out facts."

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Parker: This is our best shot

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