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Play like that again and we can forget about winning the Champions League, says Chelsea star Cole
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31 March 2008
• More Premier League news club by club
Chelsea climbed back to within five points of leaders Manchester United in the title race after a 1-0 win, but were lucky as Gareth Southgate's side hit the woodwork three times.
The lethargic performance came just three days before the first leg of the quarter-final at Fenerbahce, who caused a shock by knocking out Sevilla in the last round.
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Cole fired-up: the Chelsea star, in action against Middlesbrough's Andrew Taylor yesterday, says the players must raise their game
And the Blues will travel to Turkey in a less than positive frame of mind given their poor performance and a controversy surrounding their moved Premier League fixture against Everton.
Avram Grant is furious they will now have to play Wigan and David Moyes' team in the space of 72 hours after a request from Sky TV to switch the match from 19 April to the 17th.
The decision will lead to a fixture pile-up for Chelsea with the Champions League semi-finals taking place the following week.
Cole insisted today, though, they would have to raise their game against Fenerbahce or playing in the last four would not be an issue.
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Heads you win: Ricardo Carvalho is congratulated (left) after heading Chelsea into an early lead
The midfielder said: "On Wednesday we need a better performance from everyone throughout the team than we had against Middlesbrough. We want to play better.
"If we are to win the Champions League we need a bit of luck, but we have to play well first and foremost. We can't underestimate Fenerbahce and think about facing Arsenal or Liverpool in the semi-final. They beat Sevilla at home, who are one of the top sides in Spain. They're a great side at home.
"They are a real force and can score goals. The atmosphere will be intimidating too but these are the games you want to play in."
Grant has accused the Premier League of handing Arsenal and United an unfair advantage in the title race following their decision to move the club's match at Everton forward by 48 hours.
The Premier League agreed to Sky TV's request to broadcast the game on Thursday 17 April, meaning Chelsea's players will have little chance to prepare properly as they are playing Derby three days earlier in a match to be shown live by Setanta.
Arsenal and United will have no such problems that week as they have a six-day break between their fixtures.
Chelsea are furious and Grant said: "I don't understand why we need to play on a Thursday.
"When we come to the end of the season we need an equal situation for all teams and now they [United and Arsenal] have an advantage on us. It's unfair what's happening."
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