Jose backs Sheva return
15 Sep 2007 - 09:11:41
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- Jose backs Sheva return
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has welcomed Ukraine striker Andriy Shevchenko back into the Blues fold after a slow recovery from a groin problem.
The 31-year-old has yet to feature for the Blues this season, but played for his country against both Georgia and Italy in the last week, scoring against the latter to prove that he is ready to bolster Mourinho's squad.
The Portuguese said: "Sheva is selected and it is good to have him back. We need every player. We are starting the period where we need everybody.
"We need to rotate players. We are now playing in three competitions at the same time.
"In the next two weeks, we have to play five matches and that's the story we are going to have, hopefully, until the end of the season, playing in a lot competitions and matches.
"We need everybody and it is good to have Shevchenko back.
"He played two matches for his national team, the results were not good for his team, but I saw the matches and especially in the second one I was happy with the way he performed.
"Sometimes it is not just about fitness. Sometimes players have a great fitness situation and they are not performing well.
"I think he's improving in every aspect. Against Italy he played a good game, not just because he scored the goal, football is not just about goals.
"I think his contribution to the team was positive. He brought to his game some of the aspects I want him to bring. I was very happy watching that game."