Acheampong comments highlight key Chelsea change under Maresca from one year ago

Chelsea are back in Champions League action on Wednesday night when they host Ajax at Stamford Bridge, with Josh Acheampong making his and the club's ambitions clear

Chelsea starlet Josh Acheampong has revealed the club's lofty ambitions for this campaign. The Blues welcome Ajax to Stamford Bridge tonight for their latest Champions League league phase encounter.

Chelsea have secured one victory and suffered one defeat from their opening two fixtures in the competition, leaving them in 18th position in the standings. Victory over the Dutch giants is expected to propel them higher up the table as they target progression to the knockout stages.

Ahead of the game, Acheampong, who has established himself under Enzo Maresca, has been forthright about the club's objectives in both the Champions League and Premier League.

"I think every fixture is important," he told SportsBoom. "I think we go into every game with the same mentality to try and win.

"So hopefully we can do that in the Premier League and the Champions League. The main goal is to win trophies.

"Whether that be in the Champions League or the Premier League. I think we have high aspirations as a team."

The centre-back's remarks represent a shift in attitude from just 12 months ago. Following an encouraging beginning to last season, Maresca was unequivocal about the club's ability to challenge for the Premier League crown.

"I really don't think we can compete with City or Arsenal. I really don't think that because we are not ready," he said.

"The reason is that City has worked with the same manager for nine years and Arsenal five years. If you want to compete for big things, you need that time.

"After Arsenal beat PSG, they asked Luis Enrique and he said the same thing, that 'Arsenal have had the same manager for five years and us [PSG] a year and a half'. Imagine us, three months... so it's a huge difference.

"So I am really convinced we cannot compete with those clubs. The target is to improve and slowly, slowly to get closer to those clubs, but at the moment we are not ready for that."

Chelsea ended last season on a high note, bagging two trophies - the Europa Conference League and the Club World Cup. Their Premier League standing also secured them a spot in the Champions League.

The Blues have had a rollercoaster start to the new Premier League season, but back-to-back victories against Liverpool and Nottingham Forest have propelled them to fifth place in the table, trailing leaders Arsenal by five points.

After their clash with Ajax, Chelsea will return to domestic duties on Saturday as they host newly-promoted Sunderland at Stamford Bridge.