Scolari era worse than current Chelsea form: ?ech

(GSM) – Chelsea goalkeeper Petr ?ech says the team’s current form is nothing compared to the end of Luiz Felipe Scolari’s reign at the club.

The Blues’ current winless streak – which has stretched to five matches – is statistically the club’s worst run since the Czech Republic keeper moved to Stamford Bridge in 2004.

Still ?ech says the defending champions’ recent results do not reflect their performances, insisting that Chelsea are playing at a higher standard compared to Scolari’s team.

Asked if the recent slump was the biggest of his Chelsea career, ?ech replied: “In terms of results, yes, but not in terms of performance.

“There were games where we deserved to win – Newcastle, Birmingham. We were only unlucky with the results.

“There was a period, obviously, before Scolari left that it was much worse.”

Chelsea blew the chance to end their miserable run when Didier Drogba missed a stoppage-time penalty in Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Tottenham Hotspur.

The Blues are set to face title rivals Manchester United and Arsenal in their next two games. The two rival teams play each other on Monday night and ?ech is optimistic about his side’s chances in its upcoming ties.

“They are head-to-head games which – if they are played in the right way for us – the table can change again,” said ?ech.

Chelsea have come under criticism in recent weeks but their long-serving keeper insists they need only look to themselves for inspiration.

“We don’t have to listen to those people,” he said. “Defending the title is motivation itself; you don’t have to be reminded what we are playing for.

“You can see there is the top seven, eight teams, all fighting. And we’ve been doing so all the period we didn’t get results.

“One result goes your way and you’re fifth; one result goes a bad way and you can be eighth. It’s the same for the top of the table.

“The team who will have the most consistency will win the title race.”