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John Terry
After a season of disappointments, Terry is unwilling to concede title race

Terry up for title chase

Simon Johnson, Football Correspondent
14 Apr 2008


Chelsea captain John Terry has suffered his fair share of setbacks this season, but he is not ready to give up on the club's chances of beating Manchester United to the title this term.

The champions' victory over Arsenal yesterday was a major blow to Chelsea, who would have hoped their rivals would drop points, particularly after the Gunners took the lead.

They are now trailing by six points and it has put great pressure on Avram Grant's side to win both their televised games this week, starting with Wigan at home tonight before their visit to Everton on Thursday.

The closeness of the fixtures will put the squad under strain, but this is where Chelsea's inspirational leader comes into his own and Terry is up for the challenge.

The 27-year-old has endured a season of tribulations, including losing the England captaincy and suffering a series of injuries, such as a broken foot, which have hit his form.

But Terry refuses to let any of those setbacks distract him from chasing his third Premier League winner's medal.

He said: "Sometimes people can take for granted these occasions but these opportunities don't just happen every year. Only 10 years ago they didn't happen at this club so it's special.

"We haven't taken our opportunities this season in the Carling Cup and FA Cup, but we've given ourselves a chance in the League.

"We have been playing some terrific football recently, the challenge, though, is to play it for 90 minutes."

Terry has played for nearly 10 years in a Chelsea shirt, having made his debut against Aston Villa in the League Cup in 1998, but his desire for trophies remains undiminished.

He added: "I will be due a testimonial soon and have been promised one by the club, but I'm still only 27 and I don't think it's right to get involved in something like that now.

"At the end of my career I will do it of course, both for me and the Chelsea fans, but it would seem a bit strange to do it at this age."

Like Terry, Grant believes the title is still their's for the taking despite United's healthy advantage but knows his side must maintain their strong league form since December. The Chelsea manager said: "We are at the end of the season, we have come so far and we are so close and we don't want to miss it.

"I think, if we win every game, we will win the title. It is not easy to win all your games. I don't think Manchester United can do it.

"If I am not positive in this position then it is time for me to quit.

"I will not say we are the best in the world, even if we want to be, but I don't see another team stronger than us when we have all our players."

Grant may decide to rotate his squad with two games in four days and it may provide a rare start for striker Nicolas Anelka.

The French international has played second fiddle to Didier Drogba since joining from Bolton for £15m in January, but hasn't caused a fuss because he knows things will change next term.

Anelka claims Grant has already reassured him that Chelsea will play a more attacking formation next season and said: "My status does not annoy me too much. The coach explained to me Chelsea are used to playing in 4-5-1 and that he has the intention to do this 4-4-2 next year.

"We have important and close games. He did not wish to destabilise the group and change tactics.

"It permits me to rest a little. We always want to play all the time. Sometimes it is good to see your team-mates from the bench."

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