Benfica boss Jorge Jesus pledged to react to an apparent jibe from Didier Drogba by beating Chelsea in their Champions League clash in Lisbon.
Drogba feigned fear in a video on Chelsea's official website after they were drawn against the Portuguese side.
Jesus accepted the forward was "probably just joking", but added: "Drogba only knows what he's thinking.
"Any responses we'll be giving to Drogba will be on the field and proving we are better than him."
Chelsea defender David Luiz“Drogba's character would not allow him to disrespect another team”
Chelsea insist the matter is "a complete misunderstanding", but Roberto di Matteo's side cannot afford to under-estimate Benfica.
The Lisbon club drew home and away with Manchester United in the group stage and boast a 10-match unbeaten run at the Estadio da Luz in Europe.
"That's a sign that we've played well throughout the competition, and that we're working well," Jesus said.
"The further we go in the competition, the stronger our opponents will be. So we'll have to work even harder to get through.
"But you have to remember that Benfica and Sporting Lisbon eliminated Manchester United and Manchester City, the two top teams in England, from Europe."
Drogba's team-mate and former Benfica defender David Luiz attempted to clear up the matter, pointing out that Drogba's reaction on the video was aimed at a potential semi-final with defending champions Barcelona.
Luiz said: "If people watch the video closely, it's not directed at Benfica.
"He was talking about Barcelona because Barcelona are a very, very big team.
"Chelsea know how Benfica reached this far. They're a strong team. Drogba's character wouldn't allow him to disrespect another team."
Chelsea boss Roberto di Matteo conceded that the club have had a poor season but backed his side to come through another tough European test.
He said: "Chelsea used to be in the top two or top three, at least. So it's been hard for us, domestically.
"But we're in the semi-finals of a domestic cup, and in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
"I have faith in this team. They've shown they can play at high intensity at a high level, so I'm looking forward to my team doing that again.
"We have great belief in our abilities. That's what we're going to try to express."
