Stupid.
That’s the word Antonio Rudiger used to label Chelsea’s performance in a 1-0 loss to Leicester City, as both the defender and his manager admitted it’s the end of their chances to win the Premier League this season.
[ RECAP: Chelsea 0-1 Leicester City ]
Chelsea is now 11 points back of Liverpool and seven behind second place Man City after Jamie Vardy scored the lone goal on Saturday at Stamford Bridge.
The loss is the Blues’ first at home in league play this season.
Rudiger: "It's a disaster. We don't talk about the title any more. If we can't win these games, we can't compete. We only talk now about top four. Maybe it's a lack of mentality. Stupid." #CHELEI #chelseafc pic.twitter.com/Aws2dQwb5r
— Gary Taphouse (@garytaphouse) December 22, 2018
Manager Maurizio Sarri said that Vardy’s goal shouldn’t have been the end of Chelsea’s chances, saying there was enough remaining “time to score two goals” on Saturday.
He also reiterated that Chelsea won’t be winning the league in his first season at Stamford Bridge.
“It was impossible from the beginning of the season. As I said at the beginning of the Premier League it is impossible to catch Liverpool and Manchester City, we have to be careful to stay close to the first four positions.”
Chelsea next plays away Watford, then away to Crystal Palace.