Chelsea begin work on new pitch

Mourinho has been far from happy with the pitch at Stamford Bridge

Manager Jose Mourinho has confirmed that Chelsea's pitch will be relaid in time for the Champions League tie with Porto on 6 March.

The playing surface, which was only relaid in December, gave the players all sorts of problems during Chelsea's FA Cup fifth round win over Norwich.

"This was the last game for this pitch," said Chelsea boss Mourinho.

"I hope the next pitch is better for the Porto game. We want a good pitch from now until the end of the season."

Mourinho added: "We are disappointed with the pitch and I told people one or two months ago that the pitch was very bad. We are desperate to get rid of it."

Chelsea have had problems with the Stamford Bridge for over four years and the new pitch will be the sixth new surface in three years.

In February 2003, Charlton called for a Premiership game, which Chelsea won 4-1 on a heavily-sanded Stamford Bridge, to be replayed, although a Premier League inquiry ruled that the result should stand.

And former Chelsea midfielder Scott Parker blamed the newly-laid Stamford Bridge pitch for the broken foot bone he suffered during the 4-0 win over Norwich in December 2004.

Last season Barcelona also voiced concerns about Chelsea's pitch ahead of a Champions League game between the two sides.