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Petr Cech
Warning: Petr Cech has told his Chelsea team-mates that a win at Tottenham is vital if the Blues are to challenge Manchester United

Cech: ‘Fail at Spurs and our title hopes will be over’

Tom Collomosse
20 Mar 2009


Petr Cech has warned his Chelsea team-mates they can kiss their title hopes goodbye if they fail to beat Tottenham tomorrow.

The Blues' excellent form since Guus Hiddink became manager last month has seen them close the gap on Premier League leaders Manchester United to four points, although Sir Alex Ferguson's team still have a game in hand.

Chelsea have won six and drawn one of their seven matches in all competitions since Hiddink assumed control — and Cech believes they must maintain a 100 per cent record to the end of the season if they are to steal the title.

The goalkeeper said: “We need to get three points every time, because this is the only way we can possibly catch United. We said we wanted to push them until it was impossible to catch them, so to do this, we need to keep winning.”

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp also believes the task of reeling in United will be virtually beyond Hiddink's men should his side prevail in tomorrow's derby at White Hart Lane.

Tottenham are unbeaten against the Big Four' in five Premier League matches this season, and Redknapp said: “It is already difficult for Chelsea to win the Premier League and if we beat them, it will be very, very tough.

“But when you look at the FA Cup and the Champions League, they have just as good a chance of winning those trophies as United do.

“We are playing very well, but Chelsea will be a big test for us. The problem you have when playing Chelsea is that they play three in midfield, so they will nearly always outnumber teams in that area.

“The only way most teams should play against them is to go with one striker and match them up in midfield, which is what I did at Portsmouth when we drew 1-1 with them last season.”

Didier Drogba has shaken off a knee injury sustained in the win over Manchester City last Sunday. The striker expects to play against Spurs and says Hiddink should take the credit for rescuing his season.

“The last 12 months were really bad because I had different emotions,” said the Ivorian international.

“Team spirit has always been good but, when you lose, it is difficult for people to get a smile on their face. When you win it makes things easier and everybody is more relaxed and comfortable.”

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