Kenyon: Title race is not over

Jose Mourinho's injury-hit side went out of the competition at the hands of Liverpool for the second time in three years.

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Two years ago Luis Garcia's disputed goal robbed them of a place in the final and on Tuesday night a first-half goal from Daniel Agger forced the semi-final return leg into extra-time and then penalties.

Liverpool triumphed 4-1 in the shoot-out to set-up a repeat of their 2005 final against AC Milan but Blues chief executive Kenyon is adamant the season has still been a great one for Chelsea.

Chelsea's dreams of a quadruple were shattered by Liverpool's victory and they appear to be losing the battle for a third successive title. If Manchester United defeat rivals City at the weekend and Chelsea lose to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, then the Blues will have just the FA Cup left to play for.

But Kenyon declared: "It was disappointing but words don't bring home what everybody at the game or who watched the game as a Chelsea fan feels.

"I know the team was distraught after. A semi-final and we were so close but I was proud of the team, the effort that went in, and to go to extra-time and penalties in a semi-final, you can't really ask for more than that.

"Once you get to penalties, anything can happen and it went against us. But you have got to look at the season as a whole and although it will take a good couple of days to get over Tuesday night's disappointments, there is still a lot to go for.

"I know results at the weekend did not help but we have a never-say-die attitude here and it is not over till it's over and at any stage, Arsenal, Man United and Everton are three big games, even more so in the last week of the season. That is an enormous lift for the team.

"And then we have got the FA Cup Final against Man United, and the first one back at Wembley, so as disappointing as losing to Liverpool is, it has been a great season.

"Yes we wanted all four but there is still a lot to play for. The team is getting better, we've got a fantastic squad, we've lots of things to celebrate and let's put last night behind us and go forward in the league."

And Kenyon also paid tribute to the fans who has snapped up FA Cup final tickets for the new Wembley showdown against Manchester United on May 19.

Kenyon told Chelsea TV: "They have contributed to the success of the team this season. There has got to be a big, big thanks to the fans because they have really contributed to where the team are and I know that it will be a big boost when we go to Arsenal on Sunday and see our away support."

Chelsea's players will sport black armbands against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge next week after the death of its honorary vice-president Phillip Carter.

Carter, 44, was killed in a helicopter crash on his way home from the Champions League clash with Liverpool.

Carter's son Andrew was also killed in the crash along with Chelsea fan Jonathan Waller and pilot Stephen Holdich.

A Chelsea spokesperson said: "Phil will always be remembered as one of our most committed fans and a very popular, larger than life character.

"A lifelong supporter, he was a season ticket holder in the East Stand for many years, before taking one of the boxes in the West Stand when it was first built and was then invited to be a vice-president five years ago, an honorary position.

"He had four seats in the directors' box and was normally accompanied by Andrew, 17, and frequently by his father Tom. He was present at every home game, travelled to most away games and every European trip.

"As a tribute to their lives, and as a mark of respect, the Chelsea team will be wearing black armbands at the next home match against Manchester United."