Jose Mourinho: Andre Schurrle is in my Chelsea plans but must adapt to Premier League more - Chelsea boss delighted with squad depth as much-changed Chelsea round off group with a win

Posted Thursday, December 11, 2014 by skysports.com

Andre Schurrle is firmly in Jose Mourinho's plans, but must learn to adapt to the Premier League more, the Chelsea manager told Sky Sports 1 HD.

Schurrle, who was outstanding in the 3-1 win over Sporting Lisbon at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night, was back in the team as a new-look Chelsea side impressed.

His goal from the edge of the area put Chelsea 2-0 up and the German put forward a good case for more minutes domestically, having started just four times in the Premier League this season.

Mourinho said: “He is in my plans. We had a problem when he went to the national team the last time and he came back very, very ill and was in trouble for quite a long time.

"Today he had 75 minutes to improve his form, he is a player who needs to adapt better to the Premier League but is also a player that in three shots usually scores a goal. That’s an important quality.”

Willian was rested for the final Group G game alongside John Terry, Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois, but the performances of those coming in pleased Mourinho, who believes his side have a better chance of winning the competition than last year.

He added: “We did our job, we were professional, we cannot make fun with football, and I’m pleased with my team. It was a good reaction and good for players who are not playing a lot to get more minutes.

"Last year we were close (to winning) and we didn’t have the team playing at such a high level as we have this season, so we can dream. But let’s see if the sharks let us do that, there are a few sharks in the ocean.”

Mourinho brought on 18-year-old Ruben Loftus-Cheek for his debut with seven minutes remaining, and the Chelsea manager is in no doubt the midfielder has a big future.

He said: “Obviously he has a lot to improve but he has great potential. If people around him don’t make things difficult for me, he can be a big player.”