"It's not easy to play in the Champions League, winning two games at this stage is a great achievement."
This was stated in an interview with futbolinfo.az by Ghanaian star Michael Essien, one of Chelsea's legends, who once played for Sabail in Azerbaijan.
– Chelsea and Qarabag will face each other in the main stage of the Champions League. What are your thoughts on this game?
– It should be a good game. Both teams have won some games in the Champions League and trust their chances. I hope it will be a great game.
– Chelsea is considered the favorite. In your opinion, how can Qarabag earn points?
– I wouldn't say Chelsea is the clear favorite. Because the league format is not like the previous home-away games, it consists of a single game. And since Qarabag will play at home, they will be confident. I think it will be an open game, the result will be determined by quality and desire.
– Have you watched Qarabag's games? They have won two games in the Champions League.
– I have watched some summaries of their games and they have performed well. It's not easy to play in the Champions League, winning two games at this stage is a great achievement.
– Can you follow Azerbaijani football?
– My training and game schedule usually coincides with Azerbaijani games, so I can't watch live. But when I have time, I watch summaries.

Let us remind you that Michael Essien wore the Sabail uniform in 2019-20. The 42-year-old former football player, who played for Lyon Olympic, Real, Milan and Panathinaikos, achieved great success at Chelsea in 2005-12.