Chelsea star Kalidou Koulibaly has admitted that it will be a "big challenge" for the Blues to finish in the Premier League's top-four, but has backed himself and his team-mates to secure a spot in the Champions League next season.
Graham Potter's side were unable to follow up on their Boxing Day win against Bournemouth, slumping to a 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest to kick off 2023. Having had the perfect start to the new year with Raheem Sterling's rebound goal, a second half siege from the promoted side paid off with Serge Aurier's equaliser.
Things also don't get any easier for Chelsea with a Premier League and FA Cup double-header against Manchester City up next, and Liverpool to face before the month is out, but Koulibaly insists Chelsea must embrace the challenge.
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"It's going to be a big challenge [to finish in the top four] but we like a challenge and we always believe in ourselves," Koulibaly said exclusively to the club website.
"We have to embrace it, we have to believe in ourselves and work hard to improve. We will get ready to face Man City, which will be a tough game but we will do everything to win this match and move forward.
"We're disappointed not to get the three points because we always go into games wanting to win."
The Blues appeared in control of the contest but Forest rallied and deservedly equalised with an ex-Tottenham full-back as the surprise goal scorer. Koulibaly has now explained what he thinks went wrong for Chelsea, particularly in the second 45 minutes.
He said: "In the first half we looked in control but in the second half, they came at us with more aggression and more positivity in their play.
"Forest made things difficult for us, we couldn't keep a clean sheet and this was disappointing. It's a tough stadium to play at. They haven't lost here for a long time and they've already beaten some good teams here.
"We're disappointed because we want to win every game but we have to take this point and prepare now for Man City. We have to keep on working hard."
Chelsea face arguably one of their toughest games of the season up next with Man City coming to Stamford Bridge on Thursday evening for an 8pm kick off.
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