Gary Cahill: Chelsea are heartbroken after Champions League exit

Gary Cahill

Gary Cahill insists that the Blues must not obsess over the disappointing 3-1 Chelsea defeat to Atletico Madrid that sent them crashing out of the Champions League last night.

The England international admitted that although the loss is heartbreaking, himself and his team-mates must recover in time for their crucial Premier League game at the weekend.

“We’re heartbroken,” confessed the 28-year-old. “One game to the final and we couldn’t quite manage it – we’re devastated.

“We have to be over it by the weekend. At the moment it’s raw and it will take some getting over but we’ll see what happens in the next few days.”

Jose Mourinho’s men went ahead in the 36th minute through Fernando Torres, but were pegged back just before the break. The side from the Spanish capital went for the jugular after half-time, taking the home side by surprise and scoring two further goals that saw them reach the final for the first time since 1974.

“We started-off really well but they got back into the game. We tried to create, the effort was there, but we just fell short,” said Cahill.

“They’re a good side. They caused us a few problems and their keeper produced a fantastic game.

“But the timing of the goal was dreadful from our behalf and it was a sloppy goal to concede. We haven’t conceded too many like that so it’s disappointing.”

Chelsea host relegation candidates Norwich City at Stamford Bridge on Sunday and will be hoping to bounce back with a win that would keep the Blues within touching distance of current league leaders Liverpool.

Gary Cahill has won 68% of his duels in the Premier League this season, greater than any current Chelsea outfield player.