John Terry has insisted Chelsea are firmly back in the hunt to retain their Premier League title.
Chelsea captain ready to re-live title winning experience
John Terry has insisted Chelsea are firmly back in the hunt to retain their Premier League title.
The Blues skipper has led has team in his usual inspirational manner as they have gradually reeled in leaders Manchester United.
After a near flawless start to the campaign, Carlo Ancelotti's men suffered a worrying slump at the turn of the year.
It allowed United to build up a 15-point gap going into March, which has been now cut down to three as the clubs prepare to meet in a potential title decider on Sunday, where victory would take the Blues top on goal difference.
"Each season you know you are going to hit a bad spell and it is about how quickly you can get out of it," Terry told
The Express.
Frame
"We got out of it very quickly last year, and have taken a little bit longer this time - but once again we are right back in the frame."
Terry has etched his name into the Stamford Bridge record books having captained Chelsea to three titles - the most recent coming last season.
And for him, the campaign of 2005 still carries a special place in his heart, as it was their first in 50 years.
"Everyone wanted to beat us, week-in week-out, and there really was no easy game. We had to dig and fight and we did it very well and I enjoyed that part of it."
It was Chelsea's victory at Old Trafford last year that saw them take a huge step towards claiming the title on their way to completing a memorable League and FA Cup double.
Philosophy
For Ancelotti, it was only his first campaign in England and he immediately reaped the rewards for implementing his new philosophy at Chelsea.
"That was a lot of fun," Terry continued. "We ran away at the top very early and people were saying it was over after 10 games, then we had a blip.
"But we picked ourselves up and hit some good form towards the end. It was probably the best form I have seen, with the results and free-flowing play. The amount of goals we scored was incredible.
"We showed when we went to Old Trafford and won last year, which was the decisive game, that we could do it. There is no reason why we cannot do it again.
"There is nothing I want more than to bring that trophy back."
