Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez has insisted that his side can still challenge Manchester United and Manchester City for the Premier League title.
Chelsea are currently 10 points off the pace after a poor run of form but interim boss Benitez has cited his experiences as Valencia coach as an example of why his side must continue to believe that they can remain in the title picture.
Benitez told reporters: "I'm not worried about the distance. It's important we win so we are close, but all we can do is think about one game at a time.
"We have to improve the team and be mentally strong enough to compete in the second part of the league."
"At Valencia we were eight points behind in January. If we have to do the same here, we will do it. But we have to show the same character we have. The main thing is about the evolution of our team. If we're stronger, we'll be able to win games in a row. We have to find form."
Chelsea will be looking to close the gap at the top to seven points when they play Sunderland on Saturday.
Darren Plant
