Terry’s plotting a Chelsea backlash against Fulham
CHELSEA captain John Terry hopes tomorrow’s west London derby against Fulham will provide the perfect platform for his side to bounce back from Sunday’s defeat at Anfield.
Terry has ordered his troops to remember exactly what made them champions last season, especially as the chance to reopen a five-point gap may present itself with nearest rivals Manchester United making the short trip across town to Eastlands.
He said: “Liverpool is a loss we have to move on from and bounce back. I’m thankful we had a five-point cushion going in but it would have been nice to keep that.
“Unfortunately we lost three points with Manchester United winning so late on at the weekend.
“But we go again tomorrow against Fulham at Stamford Bridge which is the only good thing. The games come thick and fast now and we have to pick ourselves up quickly.
“It will be tough against Fulham, who proved very hard to beat last year, but we have to pick up three points now.”
Chelsea failed to compete in central midfield at Anfield where the absences of Frank Lampard (right) and Michael Essien were keenly felt in the 2-0 reverse.
Lampard is unlikely to return against Fulham, but is hoping to be involved against Sunderland on Sunday, while Ghana international Essien is likely to start against the Cottagers.
But Terry insists Chelsea can’t use injuries as an excuse for their defeat at Anfield.
He said: “We can’t look at the people missing, we will always have players missing. We have a good enough squad to deal with that.
“I don’t think we take things for granted at this club but maybe this was the kick up the backside we all needed.
“We have another gear to find and we are still top of the Premier League so we should be encouraged but we can’t forget what has got us there.”