Chelsea has had a rough season in 2012-13. The Premier League title is out of reach. The team was knocked out of the group stage in the Champions League. The team has a chance to salvage its season with a big run in the Europa League however.
Defender David Luiz believes that the Europa Cup is essential for building the team's confidence. "We want to win titles and that's how you have to think at a big club," said Luiz. "Last season we won the Champions League and this is another opportunity to win a big European trophy. We have to go for it."
He added, "I don't go into a Europa League game and think 'I don't care about this'. I have never won this competition so I want to feel what it's like to win this title."
Manager Rafa Benitez seconded Luiz and stated, "We will try to progress in every competition and the next game is the most important game... Now we are here, to play in the Europa League, we will try to win."
They will face Romanian club Steaua Bucuresti, a team that knocked off Ajax Amsterdam in the Round of 32.
Goalkeeper Ciprian Tatarusanu understands the challenge of taking on Chelsea. "Chelsea are a better team [than Ajax] - they are the UEFA Champions League holders so they are obviously the stronger team," said Tatarusanu. ''Sure, it will be much harder than a game against a top Romanian side - we are talking about 'Europe's queen' - and I have no doubt I will have much more work to do than against a 'normal' European team."
Prediction: Chelsea takes the first leg 2-1.
Start Time: 1 PM EST
TV: Fox Soccer Channel