Women’s Champions League: Chelsea midfielder Erin Cuthbert says ‘it’s hard not to dream a little bit’

Chelsea midfielder Erin Cuthbert said “it’s hard not to dream a little bit” as Emma Hayes’ side bid to win the Champions League for the first time.

Last season’s semi-finalists are aiming to win the European title for the first time in Hayes’ final season with the club.

“Of course it would mean everything to get to the final and to go on and win it,” said Cuthbert.

“But I’ve been at this club so long, it’s all about a process. We’re in the quarter-finals now and it’s two ties that lie ahead, two tough games against a really tough team who have more than proved themselves at this level.

“We’re under no illusions, it’s going to be a tough game tomorrow, but of course it’s hard not to dream a little bit.

“You are a football player, but at the same time I’ve been so well-drilled under Emma that it is very process-oriented.”

Ajax have already made history by reaching the last eight for the last time, becoming only the second team from the Netherlands, after Saestum in 2006-07, to reach this stage.

“As a player, I certainly know that if I was in the competition for the first time, I’d be playing without fear,” Cuthbert added.

“I think we need to be wary of that. They’ve got nothing to lose and we’ve got everything so we’ll be giving it everything to try and bring a result back to Stamford Bridge that we’re happy with.”

Hayes’ side head into the tie at Amsterdam’s Johan Cruyff Arena full of confidence after a 3-1 Women’s Super League win over Arsenal on Friday.

They lost to eventual winners Barcelona in last season’s semi-final and there has been plenty of talk around Hayes winning the trophy that eludes her at Chelsea in her final season.

“Every game means a lot to me,” she said. I really don’t apportion any more emotional response to one competition over another. I would like to be part of a team that wins as much as possible.

“I’m just happy to be at this stage of the competition.”