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Lose to Newcastle and our season's over - Luiz

David Luiz says he is unaffected by criticism © PA Photos

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David Luiz has warned that Chelsea's season hinges on their next two fixtures.

Having lost five of their last nine matches, the Blues travel to Newcastle on Saturday before a crucial Champions League clash against Valencia on Tuesday.

With Chelsea already 10 points behind Premier League leaders Manchester City, fifth-placed Chelsea cannot afford to lose any more ground in the title race, while they need a win or a goalless draw to reach the last 16 of the Champions League.

After being dumped out of the Carling Cup by Liverpool in midweek, Chelsea's bid for silverware looks to be fading. But although Luiz insisted the club are not in crisis, he admitted Andre Villas-Boas' side are in need of a boost.

"We are not a team in crisis but the games with Newcastle and Valencia will be decisive for us," Luiz told the Sun. "We have suffered a series of bad results and there has been a lot of pain in the dressing room. But now is the moment for take-off and we are determined to win our next few matches.

"We must beat Newcastle and Valencia to stay in with a chance of winning the Premier and Champions Leagues. But we're not thinking ahead to the Valencia game on Tuesday - our focus right now is Newcastle. They have been a revelation this season and have emerged as a rival similar in terms of danger to Manchester United."

Luiz has come under fire in recent weeks for playing too offensively, and although the Brazil international insists he is not affected by the criticism, he admits he has not been at the top of his game this season.

"This season has not been a positive one for me," he said. "But I intend to improve by working harder each day - and I'm hoping for a little more luck.

"People have been talking lately about crazy mistakes but I have a strong mentality. I am a very strong guy and these type of comments don't touch me. I have a great relationship with the supporters because I don't know how to be an actor.

"I am the same person at home as I am on the pitch. I play with my heart and I play to make my family proud. From the first day I arrived here, until the day I leave, I am the same person."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.