Kenyon relief at Turkish tie
14 Mar 2008 - 13:24:30
Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon admitted he was relieved to avoid English opposition after being paired with Fenerbahce in the Champions League quarter-finals.
The Blues could face the winners of the Arsenal versus Liverpool tie in the semi-finals should they overcome the Turkish champions, but Kenyon was satisfied with the draw at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland.
Chelsea will be away in the first leg on April 1or 2 against a side they have never played before.
However, they will meet a familiar face in former striker Mateja Kezman, who left Stamford Bridge in 2005 for Atletico Madrid before moving onto Fenerbahce 12 months later.
Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka also spent one season with Fenerbahce before signing for Bolton Wanderers in 2006.
"I'm delighted because, first and foremost, we managed to avoid another English team, which is good news certainly for our supporters. I think overall it's a good draw," said Kenyon.
"It's the first time we've ever played Fenerbahce so there's no history between the two clubs.
"They're having a good season, are second in the league and qualified second in the group.
"Despite a couple of disappointing results of late, we've complete confidence in the team and coaching staff to ensure we have a good end to the season."