Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri is confident his side can still finish in the Premier League’s top four.
Sarri’s side lost 2-0 at Everton in their final game before the international break, leaving them in sixth place with just eight games remaining.
The Blues travel to face struggling Cardiff City this weekend, with just three points separating them from London rivals Arsenal in fourth.
Sarri admits the Premier League run-in will prove difficult but is confident his side can secure a top-four berth and earn qualification for next season’s Champions League.
‘The last period of the Premier League will be very hard for every team,’ Sarri told his pre-match press conference.
‘I think we can reach the top four even if we are not able to win eight matches in a row.
‘We need to think match by match. The best way is to be focused on the next match.’