Mourinho must conquer Europe to keep Roman happy, claims Ranieri

The former Stamford Bridge manager believes his successor is under real pressure to deliver the biggest European prize after making major signings last summer.

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The Italian was forced out of the club three years ago after going on a player spending spree and taking them to the semi-finals and says another exit by Mourinho at the same stage would be frowned upon.

Chelsea face another of Ranieri's former sides, Valencia, in a quarter-final first-leg at Stamford Bridge and the Italian said: "They need to win because they were built to go all the way in the Champions League.

"Roman Abramovich has spent a lot of money and brought in great players."

Mourinho's future at Chelsea is unlikely to depend on their performance in Europe after a falling out with the Russian, which is thought to have made his position untenable in the long term.

But it has been clear since Michael Ballack and Andriy Shevchenko were signed last summer that winning the Champions League has become the club's main aim.

Ranieri, now in charge at Parma, claims the signing of star names has made life difficult for the head coach.

He said: "Chelsea have several great players but sometimes struggle to play as a team. This season Mourinho has had to work hard.

"Last season's 4-3-3 was very reliable and solid, while this term he has had to adapt the system to the great players who joined last summer.

"I think Valencia are more of a team, while Chelsea rely on individual skills and the great talent of their players.

"The pressure will be on Chelsea, while Valencia have less to lose and will try to take another big scalp after beating Inter Milan."

The Spanish side come into the European tie on the back of a 3-2 home win over Espanyol. Midfielder Miguel Angulo said: "Chelsea are a different side to three years ago. Then they won the Premiership title easily, but this year United are very strong and it has been more difficult for them."

Valencia are expected to be without former Liverpool striker Fernando Morientes, who dislocated his shoulder on international duty.

Defender David Navarro is serving a lengthy suspension for his part in the mass brawl which marred their game against Inter in the last round.