‘Chelsea is a massive club.. we need to play better’ – Ben Chilwell gives brutally honest assessment after Dortmund loss
BEN CHILWELL admitted that Chelsea have to play better following their 1-0 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie.
The left-back returned to the Chelsea starting line up for the first time since the game against Dinamo Zagreb at Stamford Bridge in November.
Chilwell played 71 minutes before being replaced by Marc Cucurella but was powerless to stop Chelsea slipping to another defeat thanks to Karim Adeyemi’s goal.
It’s now two wins in 14 games for Graham Potter’s side and Chilwell is under no illusions the team must do better.
He said: “It is not ideal. We’d have love to have won or take the clean sheet.
“They took their chance, we didn’t take ours, that is what happens at this level.
“We lost the game and in knockout competition, winning is the only thing that matters.”
Chilwell added: “Fortunately, we’ve got a second leg now at Stamford Bridge.
“We’re going to look forward to the weekend first but going into that game at Stamford Bridge, we’re going to take the positives knowing we’ve come here and played well, threatened and created chances.”
The Chelsea man is aware of the quality in the team and felt the performance was better.
He said: ” When you look at the talent of the team, we want to be free flowing and play exciting football and scores lots of goals.
“Tonight was a lot more like that, especially in the second half.
“It just was the final ball or shot wasn’t quite there. All to play for at the Bridge.”
Chelsea created plenty of chances and went close twice through Joao Felix who hit the bar and Kalidou Koulibaly who had an effort cleared off the line by Emre Can but couldn’t find the breakthrough.
The defender added: “No, I don’t think it is luck. There are no excuses.
“We played well tonight but if we want to go far then we need to play even better.”
“We have a lot of new players who We’re trying to integrate.
“Unfortunately, that takes time but we also don’t have time, but we’re trying our best to work hard and put that right.”
The former Leicester man knows the players have to turn it around and repay the fans.
He said: “Chelsea is a massive club with massive standards. Our fans were excellent today and are wherever we go.
“We’re working hard to repay them in training and in matches. We’ve got an exciting squad and I’m sure we’ll turn it around soon.”
Chelsea will look to return to winning ways when they take on managerless Southampton at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
The second leg against Borussia Dortmund will be at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, March 7.