Desailly, Zola talk up Chelsea chances

Former Chelsea duo Marcel Desailly and Gianfranco Zola believe the club can still win this season’s Premier League title.

Sunday’s 1-0 home defeat to Liverpool at Stamford Bridge sees the reigning champions sit fourth on the table, 10 points behind leaders Manchester United.

But despite a wretched run of form over the Christmas period, Desailly believes Carlo Ancelotti’s side can come out on top at the end of the season.

“Manchester United proved a couple of years ago that even with 15 points behind, you are still able to make it,” Desailly said at the Laureus Sports Awards event in Abu Dhabi on Monday.

“But the future is there for Chelsea. You can see that with Torres and all the other players.”

Zola also sees the signing of Torres as a major boost to the Blues’ title bid.

“Of course he (Torres) will make a difference,” Zola said.

“He is a big and great player and he will need a bit of time to adapt and settle down in the team. But he has got all the qualities to make a big impression.”

“Yesterday’s defeat was obviously a big blow. But they will come back. Nobody doubts Chelsea’s strength. It is just that they need to find a little bit more rhythm. I thought they were coming back very strong.”