Despite slipping to fourth in the table following Saturday’s painful defeat, Carlo insists that to finish in a Champions League position would still mark a very successful season.
Speaking to the Official Chelsea web-site he said, “We play to stay in the same position until the end of the season. That would be a great result for Chelsea because it would mean we play in the Champions League next year. We have to keep the same level of play. Today we played well, so if we keep playing like that, probably we will stay in the same position as now.”
Following our late defeat at Liverpool back in October, Chelsea bounced back with impressive victories against Man City, Birmingham, Sunderland, Everton and West Brom. The need for a similar run is imperative in order to re-establish and consolidate a crucial third/fourth position in the table.
It is so disappointing that all the good work established prior to the Christmas period is beginning to become untangled. Of course games away to Leeds, Arsenal and Manchester United were never going to be easy but the lack of any success at these grounds has left us floundering.
Eidur Gudjohnsen, who’s intelligent run and delicate flick gave Chelsea the lead on Saturday, recognises the need to change from Christmas and he spoke of his and Chelsea’s continued determination and resolve.
“It’s always a shame,” he said. “It happened at Liverpool and it happened here,” stressing the last minute defeats, “and they’re crucial points.
“Our mentality will always stay the same, that we’ll go into every game trying to get three points. Whether we can still challenge for the Championship is to be seen. We need to put a good run together and keep our fingers crosses that the top teams start dropping points.”
Claudio Ranieri expressed his views on Chelsea’s future, speaking with the same clarity and venom.
“We must continue to play in the same way but with more passion and maybe more killer instinct. When you can kill the opponent, kill him.”