Chelsea can still qualify for Champions League, claims Willian

Midfielder believes a top four finish should not be ruled out

Monday 28 December 2015 14:44 GMT
Comments
Chelsea midfielder Willian
Chelsea midfielder Willian (GETTY IMAGES)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Struggling Premier League champions Chelsea can still eke out a top four finish this season and qualify for the Champions League, according to winger Willian.

Interim manager Guus Hiddink last week said a top four finish was "mathematically possible" but Chelsea dropped more points on Saturday, drawing 2-2 with Watford to drop 13 points behind fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur.

"This situation is difficult for us," Brazilian William told the British media. "But I think we can go and win game by game and finish the league in the top four."

The four-time league winners are in 15th place, having lost nine of their 18 Premier League games this season, which cost the manager Jose Mourinho his job earlier this month.

"I think we deserved to win (against Watford). We played well second half. Of course we were in a difficult moment in that half when Watford scored a second goal but we kept going," added Willian.

Chelsea face Manchester United in the league on Monday and are without striker Diego Costa, who is suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card on Saturday.

They are also without Radamel Falcao, who is out due to injury, leaving Hiddink with only striker Loic Remy to lead their attack against United.

The Blues, who are winless in their last six games away from Stamford Bridge, might even miss Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas, who according to a media report, has not traveled with the Chelsea squad to Manchester.

PA

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in