Michael Essien blog: It is crunch time for Chelsea

Published on: 09 April 2012

Hello to all the fans out there,

I write just after the Benfica game at Stamford Bridge and it’s pleasing to see that after the ups and downs we have had this season, we are still in the Champions League.

It’s crunch time in the season for all clubs but more so for Chelsea as we fight on so many fronts to keep our season on track.

We haven’t had it all our way this season but we have been fighting hard recently to rectify that, and Wednesday’s win is a step in the right direction.

However with this win comes the crunch of so many games in a short space of time. We are used to fighting on many fronts and this season will be no different in that we have the Champions League semi-final, the FA Cup semi-final and an important finish in the Premier League to contend with.

None of these will be easy games but big clubs fight for big trophies and that’s what we will be doing.

These three targets are all achievable if we stick together as a team and work hard for each other. It will be a team game where we all have to share the load over the Easter period and beyond.

There are a just days between games at times and we are going to need all the help in the world from you fans.

The players will approach each game with the aim of winning and we are capable of doing that however the support factor with the 12th man will be very helpful indeed.

The Barcelona Challenge in the Champions League semi-final

The last time we played them, it was full of drama and some superb football. That game had everything including a couple of beautiful goals and we had them where we wanted them but failed to finish them off and paid the price.

We had more claims for penalties than I have ever seen in a game and it was so disappointing when we had to exit the competition. I have a feeling it’s our time to get one over them.

We have played them a few times in the last eight years or so and they are definitely beatable, which is what we will be looking to do. We definitely need you for this one, both home and away.

The Tottenham Challenge in the FA Cup semi-final

The last time we played Spurs at Wembley we lost the Carling Cup Final, so it’s time to get one over them.

They have improved a lot and are a match for anyone these days. In both league games this season the spoils have been shared, however there has to be a winner at Wembley and I know we have enough to beat them. It won’t be easy as they are also determined to beat us but I am sure we can count on your support to make it back to Wembley for yet another FA Cup Final.

Wembley is fast becoming our second home and we love every minute when we play there. Expect some fireworks in this London derby at the home of English football.

The Premier League Challenge

There are six games to go at the time of writing starting after the game against Wigan, yesterday, and before Fulham, on Monday. We need all the points available to finish as high as possible.

Our league finish can determine our season next year and we have to ensure we fight hard to further climb the table. We are capable of winning our last batch of games and I have no doubt we can do.

This part of the season has been referred to as the business end, squeaky bum time, with some big clashes to come and for me it really is crunch time, so come on Chelsea!

Ess

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