• Premier League

Benitez: Two trophies and Man City in Chelsea's sights

ESPN staff
March 1, 2013
Rafael Benitez pleads for unity

Rafael Benitez believes Chelsea still have a chance of finishing second in the Premier League this season.

The Blues have suffered from indifferent form of late and last week's 2-0 defeat at Manchester City saw them slip to fourth in the table, seven points adrift of the defending champions.

Benitez, however, believes his team's 2-0 FA Cup win at Middlesbrough on Wednesday - which was marked by his now infamous press conference - indicates an upturn in fortunes.

"I was pleased with the performance at Middlesbrough, changing eight players, so I'm positive we can get a result, finish in the top three, top two. That is my feeling. We will see," he said.

"Realistically, it won't be easy. Manchester City are a good team with good players, and can keep winning games but you never know in football. Top three, top four, two titles? It's very clear we have a lot of good chances."

Benitez can still deliver a successful season for Chelsea, who remain in the hunt for the FA Cup, Europa League and a top-four finish. It is for those targets that the Spaniard wants the club to pull together.

"I have confidence before the game. The team has trained well, as they have the majority of the time I've been here," he said. "We will try to do our best in every competition.

"West Brom will be the first one. After that we'll try and progress in the Europa League. Every game is important. We want to win every one."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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