Joao Felix suggests Chelsea stay depends on Champions League status

Joao Felix hinted that a long-term future with Chelsea hinges on whether Champions League football is secured for next season.

The Portugal international arrived on loan from Atletico Madrid in a flurry of mid-season activity for the Blues.

However, Saturday’s victory over Leeds United in the Premier League was only Chelsea’s second from 12 matches in 2023 and their first since beating Crystal Palace in January, ending a run of six games without a win (D3 L3).

Graham Potter’s side are well adrift in the hunt for a top-four finish and Champions League football next term as a result, sitting 11 points behind fourth-placed Tottenham.

While Joao Felix expressed his happiness at Stamford Bridge, he suggested a permanent move depends on whether they can turn their season around.

“In terms of if I want to stay or not, I think the future, no-one knows. Now I am just focused on tomorrow’s game,” he said at a press conference previewing Tuesday’s Champions League last-16 second leg against Borussia Dortmund.

“After that, we don’t know what will happen. But I am happy here. The club is so big, it is amazing, everyone behind the club is so good so yes I am happy to be here.

“Playing Champions League is always different. It is the competition that everyone wants to play.

A big one tomorrow! #UCL pic.twitter.com/2ZnVJ74UbX

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) March 6, 2023

“But now I am focused on this Champions League, tomorrow’s game. We have a lot of games yet to try to reach the Champions League in the league. It is not over.

“Playing Champions League, it is [an] important decision. But the future, no one knows so let’s see what happens.”

Although Chelsea’s form remains a concern, Joao Felix believes it does not affect the task at hand heading into the return fixture against Dortmund despite them trailing 1-0 from the first leg.

“[There is] zero pressure. This is our job. We just have to enjoy, win the games,” he added.

“Our levels of confidence and attention are high because we have to win. But we will enjoy. If we do the things right, we will win.”