Claude Makelele is ready to put his love for Chelsea to one side for 90 minutes as Swansea attempt to shock the Premier League champions at Stamford Bridge.
Makelele won two Premier League titles, two FA Cups and the League Cup during five years at Chelsea, quickly becoming a fan favourite for his impressive control of defensive midfield.
The former France international returns to the Bridge on Saturday as assistant coach to Swansea boss Paul Clement - also formerly of Chelsea - and is grateful for his time in west London despite his immediate target being three points against Antonio Conte's Blues.
"Chelsea gave me a lot in my career," Makelele told Swansea's website. "Now I go there not as an enemy, but as an opponent who works for a different club.
Chelsea's Premier League run-in
"The fans of Chelsea understand I am on a different side now, but I can’t and won’t forget my time there.
"I see two clubs – Real Madrid and Chelsea – as my home. I am happy to go ‘home’ on Saturday.
"But my focus now is with Swansea, and hopefully we will get a good result there.
"It will be a difficult game. To win at that stadium is very difficult – it’s one of the most difficult places to win in the Premier League.
"We need to be 100 per cent for 90 minutes, and if we do that then anything is possible.
"Forget about the table – that’s the first thing Paul will tell them."
