Cahill: Chelsea are a wounded animal, the FA Cup is now a must-win

Former Chelsea captain Gary Cahill believes the club is a wounded animal after their latest defeat under Liam Rossinier and must win the FA Cup to salvage their season. Tuesday night's 3-0 loss away to Brighton marked a new low – their fifth consecutive defeat without scoring, a first since 1912. The Londoners were also dislodged from sixth place by the Seagulls in the race for European football. Pressure is mounting on Rossinier ahead of Sunday's FA Cup semi-final against Leeds, and Cahill, who won the trophy twice as a Blues player, is concerned.

“Leeds are probably looking at this upcoming game thinking, 'We've got a wounded animal here, we've got a chance in the semi-final',” Gary Cahill commented to Sky Sports. “Chelsea are going into a semi-final against Leeds, with no disrespect, with an opportunity to get to a final. They should be licking their lips, ready to play, but this is a slightly wounded Chelsea team. Confidence and momentum are important things, and before training, the atmosphere is different when you're on a good run or after a good result. It will be a tough few days for the manager and the team to rally and energize themselves for this semi-final. The FA Cup is now, strong word – a must-win, to save the season,” Cahill added.