Chelsea vs Dynamo Kiev: Every game is a cup final in quest for Premier League’s top four, says Willian
Maurizio Sarri’s side have nine Premier League fixtures remaining in which to secure a top-four finish, starting with Sunday’s home game against Wolves
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.Willian says “every game is a final” for Chelsea in their quest to return to the Champions League.
Maurizio Sarri’s side have nine Premier League fixtures remaining in which to secure a top-four finish, starting with Sunday’s home game against Wolves.
The Blues could also qualify for the Champions League by winning the Europa League.
They appear on course for the quarter-finals of that competition after a superb second-half free-kick from Willian helped inspire Thursday’s dominant 3-0 win in the first leg of their last-16 tie with Dynamo Kiev.
“Now is the moment we have to win every game,” the Brazilian told Chelsea TV. “Every game is a final for us now and we have to go well in every game.
“We know our targets, we know what we want – we want to reach the top four, to stay there, and play Champions League next season.”
With Manchester City and Liverpool involved in a two-horse title race, sixth-placed Chelsea are competing for one of the other two Champions League spots along with Manchester United and London rivals Tottenham and Arsenal.
Despite the Blues’ current position, a top-four finish remains within their control as they are only two points behind fourth-placed United with a game in hand.
Sarri’s team are also set to face Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side at Old Trafford on 28 April.
Chelsea failed to qualify for the Champions League last season under Antonio Conte following a fifth-placed finish which led to the Italian’s sacking.
Defender David Luiz believes the Blues are fortunate to have two chances to return to the competition.
The 31-year-old defender, who was stand-in captain against Kiev, hopes the team can continue their recent resurgence which resulted in three wins in nine days and seemingly brought head coach Sarri back from the brink of dismissal.
“We are lucky and I am happy because we have two opportunities and so let’s fight for both,” Luiz told Chelsea’s website.
“We are trying to improve our game every single week, every single day, every single match and of course it is a positive moment for us.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments