Nimes to be relegated for match fixing

A Ligue de Football Professionel (LFP) Disciplinary Commission has heard Nimes attempted to fix matches and subsequently relegated the club from Ligue 2.

The second-tier club were found to have attempted to fix games against Bastia, Dijon, Caen and Creteil-Lusitanos in Ligue 2 last season.

Following the commission hearing on Tuesday, the LFP opted to relegate Nimes to the third tier at the end of the campaign.

Former president Jean-Marc Conrad has also been suspended from any official duties for a period of seven years.

However, the club has appealed the decision, releasing a statement explaining: "The president [Christian Perdrier] is stunned by the penalty for the club, namely the demotion of a division.

"But the club has already appealed the sanction and will fight to the end to assert its rights."

Besiktas v Club Brugge: Bilic hopes to end visitors´ unbeaten record

Club Brugge travel to Besiktas in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday knowing that another game without defeat in this season's competition will see them into the quarter-finals.

Michel Preud'homme's men maintained their unbeaten run in the tournament with a 2-1 first-leg win at the Jan Breydelstadion last week, Tom De Sutter and Lior Rafaelov cancelling out Gokhan Tore's opener.

It leaves Besiktas needing to achieve what no side has managed in the Europa League this term, although their unbeaten home record in European competition this season will instil confidence of gaining the win required.

The Turkish Super Lig leaders face Istanbul rivals Fenerbahce on Sunday and warmed up for Thursday's clash in style, hammering Kayseri Erciyespor 5-1 at the weekend.

"Despite a tiresome Europa League match we played on Thursday, my players were energetic and lively," Bilic explained.

"This shows how much they've wanted to be at the top of the Super Lig table. We controlled the game from the start and deserved the victory.

"Now, we must get ready for our upcoming matches against Club Brugge and Fenerbahce."

The former Croatia coach has fitness doubts over Cenk Tosun and Tolga Zengin, while Sander Coopman (thigh), Bjorn Engels (knee) and Victor Vazquez (ankle) are set to miss out for Preud'homme's side.

Brugge will hope to prove party poopers during the clash, which takes place on Besiktas' 112th anniversary, although they too face an important domestic test in the immediate aftermath.

A Beker van Belgie final date against Anderlecht waits on Sunday at the Stade Roi Baudouin, but Preud'homme is maintaining his focus on Thursday's clash.

"I have more hope than I did for the first leg," he told Sporza.

"In front of a home crowd Besiktas will be more motivated, it may be hell there. Last week we found a good solution. If we can repeat that, why not?

"Besiktas have problems with set pieces. Corners and free-kicks can be our weapon. Even with battles and long balls, the defenders of Besiktas had problems."

While Brugge are already in unchartered territory, having failed to reach the last 16 since the creation of group stages in the competition, Besiktas are looking to emulate their efforts of 2002-03.

In the UEFA Cup, the Turkish club reached the quarter-finals that year before losing to Lazio on away goals.

Progression for Thursday's hosts would see Bilic edge a step closer to ensuring his first piece of Besiktas silverware this season, with the club still on course for a double.

Roma 0 Sampdoria 2: De Silvestri, Muriel inflict rare home defeat

Roma lost a Serie A match at the Stadio Olimpico for the first time this season as goals from Lorenzo De Silvestri and Luis Muriel helped Sampdoria to a 2-0 win on Monday.

Rudi Garcia's men had fallen 14 points behind leaders Juventus thanks to a run of four straight draws in the league prior to Monday's clash.

De Silvestri and Muriel struck in the second half of a game Roma largely dominated to inflict a rare home defeat, with Seydou Keita's needless dismissal and subsequent refusal to leave the pitch further souring the evening.

Garcia's men had made most of the early running, although Sampdoria produced a rare breakaway 10 minutes in, which resulted in Vasilis Torosidis being forced to clear De Silvestri's dangerous delivery.

Keita thought he had opened the scoring when he converted Alessandro Florenzi's 18th-minute free-kick, only to see his joy cut short by an offside flag.

Gervinho set up Juan Iturbe before the half hour but the Argentinean was denied by Emiliano Viviano, with the Sampdoria goalkeeper stopping a potential Vasco Regini own goal and a Gervinho strike before the break.

The onslaught continued in the second half as Francesco Totti failed to divert Florenzi's cross home with Keita perhaps in a better position behind him.

However, 14 minutes into the second half, De Silvestri's persistence saw him snaffle up a loose ball inside the area to punish slack defending.

Much of the praise should go to Alessio Romagnoli down the left and, while Roma pressed in search of an equaliser, they were again undone by a quick counter 12 minutes from time.

Muriel burst down the left and saw his effort hit the post but after Eder meandered into the box with the rebound, the ball fell kindly for Muriel who tucked away the decisive second.

Roma's outing went from bad to worse when Keita was dismissed - the former Barcelona man sarcastically applauding the referee having been booked seconds earlier for a tangle at a set-piece.

Keita refused to leave the pitch initially, loitering behind the goal, before a member of the backroom staff had to remove the Malian from the pitch.

Arsenal will 'exploit' second chance - Wenger

Arsenal are determined to “exploit” their second chance as they head to Monaco fighting to save their UEFA Champions League season.

Arsene Wenger takes his side to former club Monaco on Tuesday with a 3-1 deficit from the first leg of their last-16 tie.

After being ripped apart on the counter at home, Wenger hopes to utilise all his nous and experience in big occasions to guide Arsenal into the quarter-finals for the first time since 2010.

He said: “Monaco are in a very strong position but we have experience, and the desire and belief that we can do it. So we are here to do it. 

“We will have to play on full power, focusing on our offensive and defensive games. The desire is there.

“I am confident. The odds are stacked against us, but we will give absolutely everything to turn the tie around. We will show a different face. 

“In the first leg we failed, which was surprising given our form. We have a second chance and we will exploit it. 

“It is a special moment for me but experience allows me to manage the pressure. 

“We must have a great game, do our best and give our all. If we did not believe in ourselves we would not have turned up.”

Manchester City needs outstanding performance against Barcelona

Reigning Premier League champions Manchester City were defeated 1-0 at relegation-threatened Burnley on Saturday evening.

The defeat and Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Southampton leaves the Citizens six points behind the league leaders and the Blues also have a game in-hand.

It also leaves City looking over their shoulders nervously with Arsenal just a point behind them and arch-rivals Manchester United just two points behind them.

Europe

City’s attention will be drawn away from the Premier League on Wednesday night though, as Manuel Pellegrini’s side travel to Barcelona for the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.

The first leg ended 2-1 to the team from Catalonia, but it could have proved far worse with Argentinian superstar Lionel Messi seeing a late penalty saved by Joe Hart, before the diminutive forward headed wide with the rebound.

City will have to play far better than they did at Turf Moor, or they could be facing a major embarrassment indeed in Spain.

Performance

City’s performance against Burnley was poor. They had a penalty claim turned down and Clarets keeper Tom Heaton enjoyed a good game, but still Burnley showed more desire and City simply did not show their undoubted quality in the clash.

Tactics

City boss Manuel Pellegrini got his tactics completely wrong against Barcelona in the first leg. He started the game with two up front against a Barcelona team that likes to dominate the ball and they were punished.

It is not the first time the Chilean has made such a naïve tactical mistake. He tends to make a habit of repeating this in Europe and against teams that are simply too good for City.

For all the money that City has spent in the last few years, they are still not good enough to attempt to go toe-to-toe with Barcelona in Europe, very few teams are on current form.

Pellegrini is considered a good coach, but maybe the reason why he is not considered a great coach is the fact that he makes the same tactics over and over. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.

If Pellegrini decides to start with two up front against Barcelona on Wednesday night, then the men in the white coats may just come to take the Chilean away, because that would be complete and utter madness.

City do need to get back into the tie, but such is the threat from the Barcelona attacking trio of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez, they also have to make sure they are solid in midfield and defence.

City have been far from solid in either area of the pitch of late and have lost three out of their last four games in all competitions, the sole victory in that run coming against bottom of the table Leicester City.

City have also kept just two clean sheets in their last six games in all competitions, which will be a major concern for Pellegrini and his staff. It is not exactly an encouraging fact heading into a game against arguably the best attacking team in club football.

Monaco v Arsenal: Wenger rallies troops for Euro fightback

Arsene Wenger has urged his Arsenal players to believe in the prospect of an improbable UEFA Champions League turnaround at Monaco on Tuesday.

The Premier League club endured a humiliating 3-1 defeat when the sides met in the first leg of their last-16 clash at Emirates Stadium last month.

No team in the Champions League era has progressed going into the second leg of a tie needing to score more than once away from home to avoid elimination.

Barring this unprecedented comeback, Arsenal will exit at the first knockout round for a fifth consecutive season, but their form since Monaco's triumphant night in London offers plenty of reasons for encouragement.

Danny Welbeck returned to haunt his old club with an FA Cup quarter-final winner at Manchester United on Monday and Saturday's 3-0 derby victory over West Ham United was a fifth consecutive league success that closed Wenger's men to within a point of out-of-form Manchester City in second.

"We now go to Monaco and come out of a big week because we played at Man United, we played a derby," Wenger said. "We need belief to prepare well so let's do that.

"After that we'll see. If you have no belief, you have no chance.

"We have to believe we can do it and give everything.

"We know this time Monaco are favourites so we have to go there, give absolutely everything and come back out of the game with that feeling."

Wenger has a selection quandary in attack, where he must choose between Welbeck and Olivier Giroud in the central striking role.

France international Giroud was the subject of much scorn following a nightmare performance in the first leg, although his goal against West Ham was a sixth in seven outings.

Monaco should be in a similarly buoyant mood to Giroud and Arsenal following a 3-0 Ligue 1 win over nine-man Bastia on Friday, where Anthony Martial bagged a brace.

Leonardo Jardim's men can also be bolstered by a miserly defensive record that saw them keep three clean sheets in their home group matches this season - results that extended an unbeaten European run at the Stade Louis II.

Andrea Raggi (knee) and Tiemoue Bakayoko (hamstring) are both sidelined for the hosts, while Wenger is without Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain due to an ankle problem.

Monaco's Lacina Traore (broken leg) is a long-term absentee, as are Arsenal trio Jack Wilshere, Mikel Arteta (both ankle) and Mathieu Debuchy.

Diego Forlan retires from international football

Diego Forlan announced his retirement from international football on Thursday, ending his time with Uruguay's national team as their most-capped player.

The 35-year-old forward played 112 matches for Uruguay and scored 36 goals, while he represented his country at three World Cups, winning the Golden Ball in 2010 as the best player of the tournament in South Africa.

Forlan, who is on the books at Cerezo Osaka, revealed his international retirement at a press conference in Japan, which was simulcast on his official website.

"It was a privilege to enjoy the national team and be part of a group that gave so much to our country, wear the shirt with great people," Forlan said.

Forlan was part of Uruguay's Copa America-winning side - the country's first in 16 years - in 2011, while he finishes his career 13 games ahead of the South American nation's next most-capped player, Benfica defender Maxi Pereira.

The former Manchester United, Villarreal and Atletico Madrid striker also retires as Uruguay's second most-prolific goalscorer behind Luis Suarez (43).

Forlan's last international appearance was against Colombia at last year's World Cup in Brazil.

Spain fall out of top 10 of FIFA rankings

European champions Spain have fallen out of the top 10 of the FIFA World Rankings for the first time since 2007.

Vicente Del Bosque's side are going through a rebuilding process having meekly surrendered the World Cup title in Brazil last year after exiting at the group stage.

Since then there have been signs of improvement with Spain winning three of their four Euro 2016 qualifying matches, but they have also suffered high-profile friendly defeats to France and Germany.

Italy's improvement by two places subsequently sees Antonio Conte's men return to the top 10 for the first time since June 2014, bumping Spain down to 11th.

The rest of the top 10 remain unchanged with world champions Germany leading the way ahead of Argentina and Colombia.

Lower down the order, Northern Ireland climb eight places to 43rd as they re-enter the top 50.

Gerrard fit for Swansea game

Steven Gerrard will be available for Liverpool when they travel to Swansea City in the Premier League on Monday.

Gerrard confirmed the news in a media conference on Thursday ahead of a charity game to be held at Anfield at the end of the month.

The Liverpool captain has missed the last seven matches after suffering a hamstring injury in the 3-2 victory over Tottenham last month. 

Without Gerrard, Liverpool have won all three of their league outings, although they were dumped out of the UEFA Europa League following a penalty shootout at Besiktas.

With 10 Premier League games remaining - and an FA Cup quarter-final replay with Blackburn Rovers still to come - Gerrard's return to fitness will provide a welcome boost to manager Brendan Rodgers.

INFO

SWANSEA CITY

LWWLD

21:00

LIVERPOOL

DWWLW

Competition

Premier League

Date

16 March 2015

Game week

29

Kick-off

21:00

Venue

Liberty Stadium (Swansea)

Schoolboy arrested over Watford fan attack

Police have arrested a 13-year-old boy on suspicion of being involved in an assault which left a Watford fan fighting for his life on Saturday.

The incident occurred after Watford's 2-2 draw at Wolves, when a 44-year-old man was attacked and taken to hospital with head injuries.

His condition is critical but stable.

A statement from West Midlands police on Thursday confirmed a 13-year-old boy had been arrested, while an 18-year-old, who was arrested on Wednesday, has been released on bail.

The 18-year-old must report to a police station on a daily basis, and is banned from Wolverhampton city centre on match days.

An online fundraising page has been set up by a Wolves fan in aid of the injured Watford supporter - named on the site as Nick Cruwys - and donations have since passed the £25,000 mark.

Racism threatens Russia 2018´s viability

FIFA vice president Jeffrey Webb has cast doubt on the future of the 2018 World Cup in Russia, claiming the tournament cannot be held there with the current level of racism in the country.

Qualification for Russia 2018 began on Thursday but Webb, who also serves as CONCACAF's president, believes FIFA will have to move the World Cup somewhere else if the Eurasian nation does not clean up its act.

According to the World Values Survey - an international network of social scientists - between 15 and 20 per cent of the Russian population answered "people of another race" when asked to pick groups they would not want as neighbours in 2013.

For countries such as the United States, Australia, Sweden and Britain the percentage dropped to between zero and five per cent.

Webb confirmed this is a concern for FIFA, despite the fact football's global governing body selected Russia ahead of Portugal-Spain, Belgium-Netherlands and England in 2010.

"Definitely Russia poses a huge challenge for FIFA and the World Cup from a racism standpoint," Webb told ESPNFC.com on Thursday.

The prevalence of racism in Russian society is mirrored in its football.

In September, Zenit St Petersburg striker Hulk was the subject of racist chants during a match against Spartak Moscow, while in 2013, Manchester City's Yaya Toure suffered similar treatment in a UEFA Champions League match away to CSKA Moscow.

In 2012, a Zenit fan group sent a petition to the Russian Premier League club demanding the St Petersburg-based outfit never sign "black players" or those from "sexual minorities".

The Fare (Football Against Racism in Europe) Network released a report last month detailing 99 reported incidents of racism in Russian football from May 2012 to May 2014.

Fare proposed a number of ideas to improve tolerance in Russian football but conceded "the opportunity to bring about long-term change [prior to the World Cup] may have passed".

But Webb was more positive, although he did not shy away from the amount of work required.

"There's a lot of work there to be done from a educational aspect," he said.

"[Russia's] minister of sport [Vitaly Mutko], who is also on the FIFA executive committee, has acknowledged that, and I believe now they're going to put some plans in place to start to tackle diversity education programs.

"From our task force standpoint, we now have a dedicated staff who works with us on racism, and they're working very closely with Russia to implement and execute education programs.

"It's a huge opportunity to influence some change and we better influence some change over the next three years. We have to. We can't have a World Cup there under the current conditions."

Real Madrid give Ancelotti vote of confidence

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has been handed a vote of confidence by club president Florentino Perez.

The Italian has endured a challenging few days after a 1-0 loss to Athletic Bilbao in La Liga on Saturday was followed by a 4-3 reverse at the hands of Schalke in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday.

Defeat to Athletic saw Real lose their place at the top of La Liga to fierce rivals Barcelona, though they were still able to progress in the Champions League courtesy of a 2-0 victory in the first leg.

Ancelotti faces a crucial month, which will see Madrid travel to Camp Nou to face Barca in what could well become a title decider.

Real fans voiced their disapproval at the final whistle on Tuesday, while Ancelotti insisted he was not fearful of losing his job - a feeling which appears well-founded.

"Whatever happens in the next few weeks, Carlo Ancelotti will remain as Real Madrid coach," Perez said.

"The attacks on our coach and players is being over exaggerated. The club has full confidence in our coach and our players.

"Carlo Ancelotti has experience. He is focused on his job and has no doubt that we will have a good season.

"Carlo Ancelotti has the confidence and affection of the president and the board of directors.

"I am here to say that whatever happens in the Clasico will not change anything."

Perez was far less forthcoming when asked if the Italian was safe in his job next season, replying: "I've said what I've said."

Mourinho: Give Ibrahimovic red to David Luiz

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has called on UEFA to overturn the controversial red card shown to Zlatan Ibrahimovic in Wednesday's dramatic Champions League last-16 exit to Paris Saint-Germain.

Ligue 1 champions PSG progressed to the quarter-finals on the away goals rule after drawing 2-2 after extra time at Stamford Bridge, despite being down to 10 men in the 31st minute when Sweden international Ibrahimovic was dismissed for a sliding challenge on Oscar.

The decision of referee Bjorn Kuipers looked a harsh one with Ibrahimovic appearing to pull out of the challenge.

And Mourinho, who worked with Ibrahimovic during his time as Inter coach, believes it would be a shame if the former Barcelona striker was not allowed to play in the quarter-finals.

"I was very far from the Ibrahimovic situation and I couldn't see it," he said. "I spoke with him after the game, and when he speaks with me he's always honest.

"He would tell me if there was a reason for a red card. He was very disappointed. If that's the case I hope they can minimise the mistake and let him play in the quarter-finals because if he did nothing wrong he deserves that."

However, the Portuguese stated that Ibrahimovic's punishment should be passed on to to former Chelsea man David Luiz - who scored PSG's first equaliser - for an apparent elbow on Diego Costa that went unpunished on the night.

Mourinho was also less than impressed that Costa was denied a first-half penalty after going to ground under a challenge from Edinson Cavani.

"It was a clear penalty on Diego Costa. Once more I think it's a waste of time and money to have officials behind the goal because normally they do nothing," he added. 

"If he cannot see a penalty 10 metres from him where it's completely clear it's a waste of time and money.

"David's elbow I didn't see, but when UEFA gives him the man of the match I have to believe there was no elbow because I can't believe UEFA would give the man of the match to someone who made an aggression.

"Because they cannot give us the penalty, maybe they can do what is fair from the disciplinarian point of view and suspend David and take the red card off Ibra and let him play in the quarter-finals."

Mourinho lacked respect - Silva

Paris Saint-Germain captain Thiago Silva has accused Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho of showing his side a lack of respect.

Mourinho criticised an "aggressive" PSG in the build-up to Wednesday's UEFA Champions League last-16 second-leg tie.

But Silva and his team-mates had the last laugh, as the defender's header deep into extra time earned a 2-2 draw and qualification via the away goals rule, despite Zlatan Ibrahimovic's red card after half an hour.

"I think Mourinho did not have enough respect for us," Silva told Canal Plus.

"This goal is not personal revenge even if there are people [who] have talked a lot, saying they [Chelsea] were happy to face Paris."

Cologne served with €200,000 fine and partial stadium closure

Cologne have been handed a €200,000 fine and a series of partial stadium closures following crowd trouble at matches against Borussia Monchengladbach and Duisburg.

Tens of Cologne fans donning white boiler suits emerged from a section of the ground housing away supporters at Monchengladbach last month after Granit Xhaka had netted a stoppage-time winner.

Flares were also hurled onto the playing surface, before the offenders made their way from the pitch as police closed in.

In addition, a number of supporters forced their way into the stadium for a cup clash with Duisburg in October - an incident also taken into account as the German Football Association (DFB) settled on a punishment.

Of the €200,000, €120,000 will be invested in violence prevention measures, while Cologne - who banned the Boyz fan group following the Monchengladbach incident - will have to close sections of their for matches against Hoffenheim, Bayer Leverkusen and Schalke in April and May.

Cologne have also been ordered to introduce a raft of new safety measures, including halving their allocation for their next trip to Monchengladbach, issuing personalised tickets, and banning large banners from away matches

Cole fined £20k over Twitter comments

West Ham striker Carlton Cole has been fined £20,000 by the Football Association (FA) for an inappropriate comment made on social media.

The charge is thought to relate to a response from Cole to a tweet he received in the aftermath of West Ham's 2-2 draw against Tottenham last month, in which Sam Allardyce's side surrendered a two-goal lead.

The Twitter post, which was later deleted, was deemed to have fallen foul of FA rules and the governing body has subsequently decided to act on the matter.

An FA statement released on Thursday read: "The West Ham United player, who was also severely warned as to his future conduct, admitted posting a comment on his Twitter account which was abusive and/or insulting and/or improper and/or brought the game into disrepute, in breach of FA Rule E3."

It is not the first time that Cole has been punished for a comment made on social media.

The forward was fined the same amount in May 2011 after a tweet sent during an England friendly against Ghana.

Inter still European giants - Hecking

Dieter Hecking believes Wolfsburg will be taking on one of the best teams in Europe when they face Inter in the UEFA Europa League.

The two sides meet on Thursday in the first leg of their last-16 tie, with Wolfsburg fancied to progress as they sit second in the Bundesliga.

But, despite Inter struggling in ninth in Serie A, Hecking will not be taking them lightly.

"I think that Internazionale is still one of the best teams in European soccer," the Wolfsburg coach said. "And the person who makes the mistake of underestimating them has already lost. This has to be clear.

"They haven't lost any game until now in the Europa League. I think this emphasises their quality enough.

"The bad performance in the Serie A right now makes it even more difficult for us because this is their last chance of the season to get some positive attention in general.

"For that reason I expect two very tough games for us and I don't really judge them by what some journalists publish about them. They are still a really good team."

Inter reached this stage by overcoming Celtic 4-3 on aggregate, while Hecking's men knocked out Sporting Lisbon 2-0.

Schalke sign Nastasic

Schalke have completed the signing of Matija Nastasic, after activating the Manchester City loanee's transfer clause.

A tweet from the Bundesliga club read: "Schalke have activated the transfer clause with Nastasic and he will remain at S04."

Nastasic joined the club on loan from City in January, and general manager Horst Heldt confirmed earlier this month that Schalke were looking to make the deal permanent.

The Serbia international has made nine appearances across all competitions since moving to Schalke, and featured in both legs of their UEFA Champions League last-16 tie with Real Madrid.

Nastasic is in line to make his first appearance as a full-time Schalke player against Hertha Berlin in the Bundesliga on Saturday.

"I am proud and happy that I remain at Schalke," Nastasic told the club's official website.

"The team did very well and took to me from day one, I was immediately part of the team.

"In the future I would like to help us achieve our goals as a team."

Blanc backs Ibrahimovic to play crucial role in Chelsea tie

Paris Saint-Germain coach Laurent Blanc is adamant that Zlatan Ibrahimovic will not wilt in Wednesday's UEFA Champions League last-16 second-leg tie at Chelsea.

The Sweden international has rightfully earned a reputation as one of the most feared strikers in world football.

However, question marks have arisen at times over Ibrahimovic's impact in key matches, with critics pointing to a poor goalscoring record in the Champions League knockout stages.

But Blanc believes that the former Barcelona forward, who played under the stewardship of Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho at Inter, has the ability to score in any situation and stated he will be vital at Stamford Bridge as PSG look to progress to the last eight with the tie at 1-1.

"In terms of Ibrahimovic and his influence in knockout matches, regardless of who plays centre-back for Chelsea whether it's Gary Cahill or Kurt Zouma they will not envy facing him," Blanc said.

"The good news for PSG is that Zlatan will play. He loves the big occasion, he can score at any time, in any venue. He'll be important for us."

PSG arguably edged the first leg at the Parc des Princes, with Chelsea thankful to goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois for making a number of crucial saves.

"He [Courtois] was very good in the first leg," Blanc added. "If I'm honest I say I hope he plays well [on Wednesday] because we will have created chances.

"But I want him to play less well. The goalkeeper is why they [Chelsea] go into the game as slight favourites.

"If he plays well again PSG will have proved they played better than Chelsea."

Sitting back can be dangerous, Luiz warns Mourinho

David Luiz has warned former manager Jose Mourinho not to set his Chelsea side up with a defensive approach when they take on Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.

Chelsea host PSG in the last-16 second-leg clash with a slight advantage on away goals following a 1-1 draw in the first leg at the Parc des Princes.

Luiz joined PSG from Chelsea in a £50million move in June last year, vacating the Chelsea backline to join Brazilian compatriot Thiago Silva at the heart of Laurent Blanc's defence.

Mourinho's men boast the second best defensive record in the Premier League, having conceded just 22 league goals, and have let in just four in the Champions League.

But Luiz - who recently claimed Mourinho is "not special" - told The Daily Mirror: "I know how Jose will prepare for this, he will be telling the boys to be patient and hit us on the counter-attack.

"He knows that we need to score and that they don't, I know that is his way. We must be careful because I know that Chelsea have the ability to hurt on the counter attack, but they must be careful as well.

"To sit back and just defend against Zlatan [Ibrahimovic], [Edinson] Cavani and [Ezequiel] Lavezzi can also be very dangerous, so it is not just us who have to be careful.

"It is important we believe we can win, and the team think we can. I thought we were the better team in Paris.

"If Chelsea did not have [Thibaut] Courtois in goal we would have won the game. He was unbelievable, it is clear that Chelsea have one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

"Stamford Bridge is a big weapon for Chelsea, they are very strong there.

"It is not often they lose there, but this is a special Champions League night and we must believe we can go and get a positive result.

"We have players that are used to big occasions, and playing in big stadiums, we know we can do this."