Chelsea discard Mourinho appeal

Preview: Chelsea v B Munich Hitzfeld launches Mourinho attack

Chelsea have decided not to appeal against coach Jose Mourinho's touchline ban for the Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich.

The club said an appeal would interfere with preparations for the first leg at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.

"I'm not on the bench on Wednesday, and also next week, and it's something that I don't want to comment or say what I have in myself," Mourinho said.

"It's clear you cannot say too much. I must keep quiet."

Chelsea were fined 75,000 Swiss francs (£33,100) and Mourinho was given a two-match touchline ban by European football's governing body last week.

"As indicated on Friday, we are not happy with that verdict but we accept it," the statement added.

I will be following the game like I always do Jose Mourinho

The club, charged with bringing the game into disrepute, had alleged that Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard visited referee Anders Frisk during halftime of their Champions League first knockout round game at the Nou Camp on 23 February.

Mourinho, who was speaking on Chelsea TV, said he was confident his team would beat Bayern Munich, despite his absence.

"The team is ready," he said.

"We know the way we want to play, we study the opponent. We know the opponents' style and their good qualities.

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"I will be concentrating on the game. I will be following the game like I always do.

"Between the first game and the second game I can work with the team. I will have my eyes completely open to try to prepare the team for the second game."

Mourinho said striker Mikael Forssell would make his return from injury to be on the bench against Bayern on Wednesday.

The Finn cut a second season on loan at Birmingham short after suffering a knee injury which required surgery.

Forssell had not been expected to play again this season but comes in as winger Arjen Robben is injured and striker Mateja Kezman is suspended.

"We need strikers for the game and his (Forssell's) work is absolutely fantastic," Mourinho said.

"He, the medical department and the fitness coach did a great job to give him a chance to do something for the team."