Terry Prepared For Mourinho Reunion

Chelsea have certainly been no strangers to amazing coincidences in recent times where European draws are concerned.

Following their controversial exit at the hands of Liverpool in the 2005 Champions League semi-finals, the Blues have been paired against the Reds at the same stage every year since.

Avram Grant's men broke the pattern last season to earn a final berth in Moscow, and Terry predicts that the club will be thrust into a new rivalry under Luiz Felipe Scolari.

Forward

"All the lads are already saying we’ll get Inter in the Champions League and you just know we probably will meet them," the England defender said on Chelsea TV.

Mourinho left Stamford Bridge in September 2007 after three successful seasons at the helm, during which he led the Londoners to two Premier League crowns, two League Cups and an FA Cup.

Terry remembers his time under the Special One fondly. However, those days are well and truly in the past, and the 27-year-old insisted that he and his team-mates are focused solely on what lies ahead.

"Jose was a top manager and someone I loved working with," he continued. "But it was a change the club made so we’ve moved on and moved forward."

Different

The inescapable comparisons between Mourinho and Scolari have only added to the potentially fierce rivalry, as the English media have highlighted the wit, charisma and aura the managers each possess.

But the new Blues boss has made every attempt to distance himself from the ex-Porto coach, insisting both his character and his methods are different to those of his counterpart at San Siro.

And Terry vouched for the difference in his new manager's approach, claiming it bears resemblance to that of the Italians who preceded Mourinho.

"Pre-season has been very different this year," he said. "Under Jose we never did any running but with Scolari we’ve had our trainers on and done 1,000 metres, which is similar to the Vialli and Ranieri style of thinking.

"Now we all feel really good and well prepared for our opener against Portsmouth.

Terry added: "Scolari understands football and the lads. I was really pleased when Peter Kenyon phoned to tell me they were going to announce his appointment.

"I first met him at a game he came to watch and chatted for 15 minutes. I was phoning people afterwards telling them that I’d met him and what a great guy he was. Then it turns out some time later that he’s our new boss."

Mike Maguire