Monday 6 April 2015 18:28, UK
Jesus Navas has warned Chelsea that Manchester City still believe they can win the title as Jose Mourinho’s men will drop points.
Manuel Pellegrini’s side are nine points behind Chelsea in the title race but can close the gap on Monday Night Football against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho said after his team’s 2-1 over Stoke on Saturday that the league leaders need five more wins and a draw from their remaining eight games.
It has been suggested that Man City, who go into the game in 4th place, should be more worried about making sure they finish above Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool rather than chasing Chelsea, but Navas - speaking exclusively to Sky Sports ahead of the game - has not given up hope of winning back-to-back league titles.
“The key is to win all the remaining games and I’m sure Chelsea will drop points,” Navas said.
“We’re not focused on Chelsea. We are focusing on ourselves. We need to strive for excellence and we need to win all our remaining fixtures. We have the squad to do so. We are ready to face the challenge.
“We have to fight until the last minute of the last game to win it. It’s going to be difficult and hard but we’ll give everything we have to try and win the Premier League again."
Despite playing 40 times in all competitions this season, Navas has scored just once – the fifth goal in a 7-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday in the Capital One Cup.
His dip in form has meant he has lost his place in the Spain national side but Navas isn’t concerned about his current performance level and believes he can have a big impact in the title run-in.
“It has been a long season," he said.
"Some matches I have started, some I have come off the bench. When you play at City with top players, you don’t have a guaranteed place in the starting eleven.
“I feel very good and confident. As always I am ready to play and help my team.
“My objective is always to play for the national team, for me, it’s the best feeling in the world to represent my country. I will work really hard and fight to get my place back."
Watch the full interview with Jesus Navas on Monday Night Football from 7.30pm, Sky Sports 1 HD and then watch Crystal Palace v Manchester City - live.
Watch Crystal Palace v Man City for £6.99 or visit www.nowtv.com if reading on a mobile device.
