‘Chelsea not anywhere being Champions League favourites’ – Ferdinand

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has said he does not rank Chelsea as the Champions League’s favourites.

Despite their 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday, the Premier League-winning centre-back has explained why he does not see the Blues as favourites to win the coveted European club’s trophy.

"I wouldn't put them anywhere near being favourites," Ferdinand told BT Sport as quoted by Metro. "No disrespect, just because of their form and where other teams are in comparison.

"The difference this result [against Dortmund] can make for confidence right now is great, but you have to take it game by game. You can't look any further than this weekend.'

However, the 2008 Champions League winner explained how important the win is for the Blues’ Graham Potter and their supporters after a string of poor the results.

"You can sense from the fans there's relief. They're desperate for this team to do well," Ferdinand added.

"There are moments in seasons when confidence kicks back in and belief kicks back in. They deserve the win.

"The manager needed this result, and they performed well. They didn't give up chances, and they thoroughly deserved the win.

"A lot of these players are used to success, but the fingers have been pointed at them, you can sense what this is going to mean to this club."

The Blues will be in Premier League action on Saturday as they are set to visit Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.