John Terry has backed Chelsea and Jose Mourinho to bounce back from their tumultuous start to the season and hopes successive clean sheets are the catalyst for a turnaround in fortunes.
The Blues captain was restored to the centre of defence for last Saturday’s 2-0 defeat of Aston Villa — just a third Premier League win from nine games — and goalless draw at Dynamo Kiev in Ukraine on Tuesday night.
“The win at the weekend felt unbelievable in the dressing room afterwards,” Terry told Chelsea TV.
“It had been a few weeks, but when they come about it was nice.
“We want that feeling week after week again, put ourselves on a run of games and that’s what we’re trying to do.
“We are a great side and we will get there with the hunger and the ambition that is in the squad.
“You don’t win trophies year after year without that hunger in the belly. We are collectively together, the players, the manager and the fans and we will be all right.
“When the chips are down, I’d take this squad over any. I know the players very well. I’ve been in this situation before, I’ve seen it happen.
“We’ve got a great squad of players. More importantly we’ve still got the best manager in the world.
“Everyone’s fully behind him. There’s stories and this and that and everything else, but believe me everyone’s together.
“The fans were unbelievable again at the weekend, so (I) thank them.
“They’re going to be pivotal in our comeback and our climb up the table. Urging them to continue and believe in the players, because I certainly do.”
Chelsea sit third in Champions League Group G after the draw, following an opening defeat of Maccabi Tel-Aviv and loss at Porto, who lead the standings ahead of unbeaten Dynamo.
The Blues might have returned from the NSK Olimpiyskyi with all three points had Cesc Fabregas been awarded a first-half penalty, while Willian and Eden Hazard each hit the woodwork.
With Dynamo and Porto to visit Stamford Bridge, on November 4th and December 9th respectively, Terry believes progress to the knockout stages is very much in Chelsea’s control.
“Disappointed not to come away with the three points,” Terry added.
“First half we probably created enough chances to win the game.
“The positive side of it is another clean sheet, a point and it’s in our hands now going back to the Bridge.
“They’re a good side going forward and have a lot of good players. It was going to be tough.
“Two games left at home which we must win and it’s in our hands. Those nights at the Bridge are what we want and what we look forward to.
“The next game at home in the Champions League against (Dynamo) is a must-win game for us. Hopefully get a win there, build upon that and qualify through the group.”
Nemanja Matic has improved after a challenging start to the season and showed glimpses of his best at Dynamo.
The midfielder said on chelseafc.com: “Step by step I think we are getting better.
“We are not in a great position, but we are working hard and slowly we will get back to what we had last season.
“I’m sure that as a team we will improve. Confidence is not high when you are in a position like we are now in the Premier League, but I’m sure we will do better.
“I will be happy when we get out of the group and get closer to the top of the Premier League.”
