Cesar Azpilicueta reveals that winning the Emirate FA Cup is not enough for the Premier League Champions after a 1-1 draw with West Ham damaged his club’s hopes of finishing Champions League position.
The 28-year-old Blues assistant captain got a first-half goal but Javier Hernandez levelled things up for the Hammers after the break with the result leaves Antonio Conte men 10 points behind Liverpool and Tottenham in third and fourth.
With six matches remaining but Spain international Azpilicueta believes the drop in performance level from Chelsea has been unacceptable.
“The FA Cup is a massive trophy, with a lot of history, but it’s not enough for us,” he told BBC Match of the Day.
“We will try to win it, but the cup will not save our season.
“To get a draw at home in another London derby is really frustrating for all of us – and all of the fans. We are not happy.”
“What matters is the score at the end. I am frustrated. We should be able to win this game.
“We controlled the game, we created enough chances to win but we struggled at the end and maybe they could have scored the winner. It’s becoming harder and harder every game it goes on.”
Chelsea have trip to Southampton and Burnley before they face the struggling Saints in an FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on April 22.
Former manager Jose Mourinho was sacked during the 2015-16 season when the then champions finished 10th in the Premier League.