Chelsea's Erin Cuthbert says 'it's hard not to dream' of Champions League success ahead of Ajax quarter-final
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Published 18/03/2024 at 21:02 GMT
Chelsea take on Ajax in the UEFA Women's Champions League on Tuesday night for the first leg of their quarter-final clash, and their midfielder Erin Cuthbert is undaunted by the prospect of a tight title run-in as well as the business end of the European tournament. She admitted that she finds it hard not to imagine what it would be like to lift the trophy in Emma Hayes' final season as manager.
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Chelsea midfielder Erin Cuthbert admitted it’s "hard not to dream" of winning the UEFA Women's Champions League ahead of facing Ajax in the quarter-finals.
Chelsea travel to Amsterdam for the first leg of the quarter-final on Tuesday, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
After going out in the semi-finals last year, Chelsea are bidding to win the Champions League for the first time.
While that would be special enough, there is added pressure and emotion due to this being manager Emma Hayes’ last campaign as Chelsea manager.
"Of course it would mean everything to get to the final and to go on and win it," Cuthbert said.
"But I've been at this club so long, it's all about a process.
"We're in the quarter-finals now and it's two ties that lie ahead, two tough games against a really tough team who have more than proved themselves at this level.
"We're under no illusions, it's going to be a tough game tomorrow, but of course it's hard not to dream a little bit.
"You are a football player, but at the same time I've been so well-drilled under Emma that it is very process-oriented."
Ajax are in the last eight for the first time in their history, and Cuthbert understands what that means to the Dutch side.
"As a player, I certainly know that if I was in the competition for the first time, I'd be playing without fear," she said.
"I think we need to be wary of that. They've got nothing to lose and we've got everything so we'll be giving it everything to try and bring a result back to Stamford Bridge that we're happy with."
Chelsea are tied on points at the top of the Women's Super League with Manchester City after beating Arsenal 3-1 on Friday.
They are also in the final of the League Cup later this month, but Cuthbert is not changing her approach with big games coming thick and fast.
"Every game means a lot to me," she said. "I really don't apportion any more emotional response to one competition over another. I would like to be part of a team that wins as much as possible.
"I'm just happy to be at this stage of the competition."
How to watch Ajax v Chelsea?
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Ajax v Chelsea will be live on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate with coverage from 17:45 UK time on Tuesday, March 19.
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