Chelsea interim coach Rafael Benitez concedes that his team face a difficult task to finish in the top four of the Premier League after a poor performance in a 2-0 loss at Manchester City.
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Chelsea still retain an interest in both the Europa League and FA Cup, with a re-arranged fifth-round tie at Championship club Middlesbrough looming on Wednesday in the latter.
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But with a top-four finish being required to ensure that Chelsea secure a coveted place in next season's Champions League, Benitez admitted that his team wasted a glorious opportunity to move within a point of second-place City.
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"Obviously we knew we were close to City and wanted to be even closer," said Benitez. "But we didn't do it.
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"We have to try to carry on winning our games and hopefully, if City can lose some points, we will get closer. But, if not, we have to do our job because Arsenal, Tottenham, Everton are all close.
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"We're in a position where we have to fight for the top four."
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After defeat at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, Chelsea only hold a one-point advantage over Tottenham Hotspur, who are scheduled to play their game in hand over Benitez's side at West Ham United on Monday night.
Chelsea was dissappointing yesterday. They dint come to the party at all