Andre Schurrle has warned Atletico Madrid that Chelsea can attack, as well as defend, ahead of their Champions League semi-final second leg.
Chelsea have received criticism for the extremely defensive tactics with which they approached their previous two fixtures.
A goalless stalemate in the first leg of the semi-final in Madrid was followed by a 2-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, with near perfect defensive displays from Chelsea on both occasions, but little intent going forward.
However, according to Schurrle, the Spaniards should not arrive at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday evening expecting Chelsea to sit back and he points to the Blues’ 6-0 demolition of Arsenal March as an example of what Atletico could be in for.
"We can play both types of game," said the German international.
"We showed against Arsenal that, when we need to, we can force the game and score goals.
"We know we can do that and we hope to give Atletico those sort of problems if they come and just try to defend.”
Schurrle, whose stock has gradually risen at Chelsea, particularly in the recent absence of Eden Hazard and dip in form of Oscar, came off the bench to score a crucial goal against PSG in the Champions League quarter-finals earlier this month.
Despite Wednesday evening representing a different sort of assignment for Chelsea, Schurrle believes Sunday’s victory at Anfield was vital in ensuring the Blues approach the Atletico game in the right mind-set.
He said: "The group knows how important it is for us to beat them (Atletico) and that we had to win against Liverpool too.
"But to do it just as we wanted was the perfect way to give us confidence. We need to have a balance in our play, especially because we are at home.
"If it's 0-0, it's extra-time and penalties, but if it's 1-1 or any other draw we're out - so we need to win."
