Andre Schurrle revealed how the Chelsea dressing was bursting with title-winning belief after the Anfield triumph – despite Jose Mourinho ruling them out of the equation.
The Germany star played as an auxiliary full-back in a Blues display which smothered Liverpool’s threat up front and twice hit them on the break.
Schurrle admitted his manager’s claims Chelsea are title also-rans is not shared by the squad.
Mourinho’s touchline antics after Willian walked home the second goal were in contrast to his downbeat post-match demeanour when interviewed.
Schurrle said: “I didn’t get the chance to see what he was like in the dressing room. I didn’t see him – but that was because everybody was jumping about and excited.
“Everybody thinks we can win the league and the Champions League. It will be tough. But we have to believe, and we do.
“We have to do everything in our power to win the two games we have left and hope Liverpool and City both give us something. But we’re still in it.”
In it because of the relentless tactical discipline Chelsea displayed to frustrate and provoke Liverpool before those two devastating counters at the end of each half.
Schurrle added: “We felt it was brilliant, a perfect game. We did exactly what we needed to do and what we were told to do.
“If people say, ‘Chelsea can’t play’ even when we win it’s just because they’re jealous.
“Winning is what matters. You can play perfect football, lots of one-touch, and you lose.
“But there’s no point in playing well and losing. If our plan is to win playing this way, and we win, then it’s perfect.
“We needed to show we could be in a battle and win it.
Demba Ba, who scored the crucial opener against Liverpool, feels the Champions League might be the more likely source of glory.
Chelsea host Atletico Madrid tomorrow after a goalless first leg and Ba said: “In the Premier League we depend on our competitors. In the Champions League we need only to win our two games. But we’re going to try for both.”
Written by Steve Milne
