We'd like to finish off with a trophy

Chelsea is generally perceived as the favourite of the match. Do you accept that role?
We always have and there's no reason for that to change. We've come here for the trophy and to denote us as the favourite is therefore aptr.
How strong an opponent is Benfica?
We encountered them last year in the Champions League. We advanced but both of the games were very equal. Their team hasn't changed much ever since. They haven't been doing great in the national league, they lost against Porto recently, but I don't think that will affect their performance in the final.
How much of a motivation is it for you to win the first trophy of the season?
We've squandered several chances already, this is our fourth and last attempt. I'm sure we'll be successful and raise the trophy above our heads after a year of waiting. That would make this season a good one. Our first goal was to secure a spot in the Champions League, which we have. Now we've got a final to win and then we'd also like to move up to the third place in the Premier League.
A year ago you won the Champions League and this year it may be the Europa League. Do you consider this competition a prestigious one?
It's still a European trophy, generally speaking. Chelsea never participated in this League before and who knows when we'll get to do it again. That's a lot of motivation. Finals of any one of European cups will always be a great challenge.
You have already taken part in two Champions League finals, one of which you won. What do you recall about them?
In Moscow we lost a penalty shoot-out against Manchester United. We went on to win a different shoot-out last year, though, this time against Bayern. That way I've experienced both joy and disappointment and I hope that luck will be on our side this time, as well."