Chelsea have to keep ‘FIGHTING’ to get in the Champions League this season and will be buoyed by their show of ‘courage’ against Man City, claims Micah Richards

• Micah Richards believes Chelsea should be aiming for the Champions League
• The Blues moved up to 10th in the league after 4-4 weekend draw with Man City
• Why we should get excited about Cole Palmer – Listen here to It’s All Coming Up

Micah Richards believes Chelsea’s aim this season should be fighting to get into the Champions League places after Sunday’s enthralling 4-4 draw against Man City.

Cole Palmer’s stoppage time penalty against his former side handed the Blues a deserved point at Stamford Bridge that ensured they climbed out of the bottom half of the Premier League table.

Chelsea have struggled this season, picking up 16 points and currently positioned 10th in the league, however recent positives highlight Mauricio Pochettino might be starting to get to grips with his squad.

The Blues missed out on any European football for this season after finishing 12th in the last league campaign and are already 10 points adrift of fourth-placed Spurs.

But, Richards believes Chelsea can fight to get amongst the top four given their recent improvements and show of ‘courage’ against City.    

Chelsea should be aiming to ‘fight’ for Champions League football according to Micah Richards

Mauricio Pochettino is attempting to guide Chelsea back to the Champions League this season

Chelsea are currently 10th in the Premier League standings and 10 points adrift of the top four

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When asked about the club’s aims, Richards said: ‘Keep fighting for the Champions League, its as simple as that.

‘It’s going to be tough but the last two games gives them confidence. This team has courage. So many teams go behind against City and find no way back. 

‘They kept going and have quality, Sterling and Palmer, Jackson is not the best striker but works hard for the team. 

‘Liverpool when they had Salah, Mane, Firmino, Firmino was great on the ball but had a role for the team. Jackson’s job might be pressing in this team,’ he said.

Chelsea’s owners have spent heavily in a bid to win silverware and break Man City’s dominance but have so far struggled to invest in ready-made Premier League stars.

American co-owner Todd Boehly has spent over £1billion on new players in his first 12 months in charge with Graham Potter previously sacked in the summer and Pochettino brought in during the summer.

The Argentinian previously managed both Spurs and Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, guiding Tottenham to the final in the competition, and is now attempting to get Chelsea back amongst Europe’s elite.

Chelsea rallied against Man City to score late and seal a sensational 4-4 draw at Stamford Bridge

Micah Richards believes Chelsea must ‘fight’ to get into the Champions League places this season

Jamie Carragher placed similar demands on Chelsea as Richards but explained he doesn’t believe they will be able to force their way into the top four of the Premier League this season.

‘Have to remember how early it is in the season. Three or four weeks ago everyone wrote Man United off from being in the top four and now theyr only four or five points off it. 

‘I expect Chelsea to get better with Pochettino. I don’t think they will get top four but should still have a fight with it. 

‘They are not competing with the best teams going for the top four and they will drop points as well. People in those positions drop points, there is still a lot for them to do,’ he added.

IT’S ALL KICKING OFF! 

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