Defender Cesar Azpilicueta believes Chelsea are running the risk of missing out on Champions League qualification.
The Blues form has tailed off massively in recent weeks, most clearly in their 4-0 home loss to mid-table Bournemouth.
Chelsea are now not only out of contention for the Premier League title, but have slipped out of the Top Four behind Arsenal, and are in real danger of failing to qualify for the Champions League for the second year running.
That’s according to centre-back Cesar Azpilicueta, who says the team have to react “strongly”:
“It’s very tight. Two weeks ago we were in a better position,” Azpilicueta told chelseafc.com.
“We have put ourselves at risk. We are in trouble after dropping six points in the last two games. It’s become harder but we have to get the three points on Saturday, there is no other option.
“We have to push and look at ourselves, and to improve. The first step is to be humble and to come back in a strong way with three points.
“We still have 14 games to go. The target is to qualify: the minimum we should do is qualify for the Champions League. It’s very important, the minimum Chelsea require and we will fight hard to get that position.”