Roman talks up Chelsea's revival

14 April 2012

John Terry today revealed how a pep talk from Roman Abramovich inspired Sunday's 4-0 rout at Leicester.

Chelsea's multi-billionaire owner spent 40 minutes talking to the players individually following last week's home defeat to Liverpool, but had much less to say after the impressive performance at The Walkers Stadium.

Abramovich visits the Chelsea dressing room after every game and Terry is glad that he takes such a personal interest in each of his players.

Terry said: "Roman is in the dressing room every week, win lose or draw. He goes around and talks to the lads individually and asks how everyone is.

"He speaks through his translator and wants to know how everyone is feeling and whether they've got any problems. It's great to put a smile on his face again after the disappointment of the Liverpool game.

"Roman's a very open person and it's great to see him in the dressing room. It's a great boost to see how much he has put into the club and we just want to repay him. When we're winning, it's smiles all round." Chelsea are five points behind Premiership leaders Manchester United but remain confident that the gap can be bridged. Claudio Ranieri's side lost just one of their opening 15 league matches and Terry is hoping that a similar run will keep them in the title race.

He said: "It's going to need a good run to win it from here, but we've closed the gap on Manchester United and aren't a million miles away.

"I know they're flying and Arsenal haven't lost all season, but they're bound to slip up sooner or later.

"We know they can be caught. We can definitely win the league and there's a long way to go.

"Our recent slip is just one of those things and we've bounced back in style. It's good that we didn't concede and we played some great football which has not been happening lately.

"We've not been under any pressure. We didn't have the best December, but it's impossible to go throughout the whole season without having a little slump. Hopefully, we're back now and we can build on this. It was a massive test for us on Sunday as Leicester fight right to the death.

"Even towards the end when they were 2-0 down they were pressing for a goal and it was difficult, but we were very positive."

Chelsea's next four league games against Birmingham, Blackburn, Charlton and Portsmouth are all eminently winnable, but their next challenge is tomorrow's FA Cup third-round replay against Watford at Stamford Bridge. Terry was rested for the 2-2 draw at Vicarage Road and is desperate to be involved in the replay.

He added: "I'm looking forward to playing against Watford as I missed out on the first game.

"It'll be a difficult test and it's a massive week for us. We're halfway there and need to get the win. As an Englishman I realise how important the FA Cup is, but all the other lads do too.

"It's a massive competition and everyone will be up for it whoever's involved.

"We've got a good record in the competition and need to get Watford out of the way. It'll be an interesting battle and I'm relishing the physical challenge."

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