BOLO ZENDEN says the lure of making history will bring out the best in Chelsea when they step out in the Amsterdam Arena on Wednesday night.
The Blues could become one of just a handful of clubs who have won Europe's major competitions – including the old Cup Winners Cup – if they beat Benfica in the Europa League final and Rafa Benitez's assistant says it is a huge motivator.
“It's great to be going towards the end of the season with so much to play for and a European final. It's going to be a great occasion,” said the Dutchman who has been at the club since November to work alongside Benitez.
“I think the club is looking forward to it because it's a trophy we haven't won yet and if we do win it, we're only the fourth team in Europe that won all the trophies, so there's a lot to play for.
“It's a good chance to be part of something – and against a good opponent as well in Benfica. It's what you expect when you play a final.
“But it's not going to be easy. I've played against them myself a few times and Chelsea played them last year in the Champions League.
"It's a well organised team and they've had the luxury of having the same manager for quite a while [Jorge Jesus], so the players know what he wants and he's a very enthusiastic guy, and he knows how to fire them up.”
Zenden believes the fact Benfica were involved in a vital championship decider against rivals Porto will work in the Blues' favour.
“They [had] a very important game at the weekend against Porto to see if they win the league or not, which is important to us as well. They still had a lot to play for and it's not just us who had to fight at the weekend.”
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