Chelsea 'can't take Paris FC lightly', says Kerr

2 years ago 45

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Chelsea striker Sam Kerr says they "can't take Paris FC lightly" when they play each other at Stamford Bridge in the Women's Champions League group stages on Thursday.

Paris FC knocked out Arsenal and last season's runners-up Wolfsburg in qualifying, before losing narrowly to BK Hacken in their first group game.

Emma Hayes' side drew their opener with Real Madrid last week.

"They are riding a wave at the moment - that can be dangerous," said Kerr.

"You saw with the results against Wolfsburg and Arsenal - to beat two really good teams over both legs - it shows they are an amazing team. You can't take any team lightly in the Champions League."

Last week's 2-2 draw in Spain was filled with controversy after a penalty call and a disallowed goal went against Chelsea.

It means the Blues sit second in the group, two points off leaders BK Hacken of Sweden as they head into their second group match at Stamford Bridge on Thursday (20:00 GMT kick-off).

"The Champions League is obviously really tough. We go into every game wanting to win, especially at home. We have a lot of respect for every team in our group but when we go out, we expect to win," said Kerr.

"I definitely don't think about must-win games or anything like that. I just think about performing. You can't think about the past or the future in the Champions League."

Manager Hayes said Paris FC were "deserving" of their place in the group stages and expects "an extremely tough game".

"They are really organised and tough to break down. They play in a very narrow formation, are very compact and will make it difficult to play between spaces. They are very good in transition. We respect them," she added.

'Beever-Jones and Kerr driving standards for each other'

Chelsea could be without England captain Millie Bright, with Hayes saying the knee injury she sustained before this summer's Women's World Cup has become "a little bit angry" as a result of a busy schedule.

"Millie is 50-50. I've made it clear that having so many games in quick succession means we're managing her loading," added Hayes.

"We wanted to give her a bit of extra time but I think she's very much in doubt for tomorrow. Prior to the Women's World Cup she had surgery on her knee so preparation going into that wasn't ideal. She probably rushed herself back.

"It's not anything that's too detrimental but we're just listening to her body and how its feeling. We'll take decisions on a daily basis."

One player hoping to maintain her impressive start to the season is defender Niamh Charles, who scored Chelsea's equaliser in Madrid before having a goal controversially ruled out for offside.

"I think she's been in this place for quite some time - maybe February and March of last year. I don't think she's looked back since then," said Hayes.

"I always intend to get the best out of her strengths but she's in a great place and her form is all coming together. She deserves a lot of credit for the work she's done.

"It's all been Niamh. She's a top professional and she's a role model for many to look up to with what you can do with hard work and application."

There could be a Champions League debut for Chelsea's in-form striker Aggie Beever-Jones.

The 20-year-old has scored in four successive Women's Super League matches, including on her first start at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, and England manager Sarina Wiegman confirmed she is "in the conversation" for an international call-up.

"I agree with Sarina [Wiegman] and I think she has work to do still. For example, knowing when to go it alone in situations or when to link with others. But she's such a good learner," said Hayes.

"She is unbelievably efficient in front of goal. The chances she's got, she's taken really well. There's a competition with her and Sam Kerr on a daily basis. That's fun to see because they're driving standards for each other.

"It's another good moment for us to show how important the loan system has been for her. She is the first player to come through [Chelsea's] academy system. It's been a long time coming and hopefully she will be the first of many."

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