Ranieri says self-doubts may undermine Arsenal's title bid

CHELSEA boss Claudio Ranieri warned Arsenal last night that nagging self-doubts could hamper the Gunners' title bid as he urged his team to pile the pressure on Arsene Wenger's side over Easter.

Ranieri admitted he was like a "madman" celebrating his team's midweek success at Highbury as their quarter-final victory put him in "seventh heaven".

However, the Italian is determined to ensure that Chelsea now build on their achievement starting by stepping up their pursuit of Arsenal in the Premiership.

"The best moments in life are when you win trophies. This is like a little station, I still want to arrive at the final destination," he declared.

"For us, the Champions League is still a gamble. You can win or you can lose, but the Premiership remains our main target.

"Before Arsenal's game against Manchester United, they were very strong mentally. But after that game, there were maybe a few doubts that crept in and now there are maybe even more doubts.

"Having seen the game at Highbury again on video, the Chelsea players were relaxed and the Arsenal players, although not nervous, seemed maybe too focused."

Arsenal's squad strength will be tested by two tough fixtures in the next three days, starting at home to Liverpool today and then taking on Newcastle at St James' Park on Sunday.

Chelsea, meanwhile, have a much bigger pool of players and can bring in several fresh faces for their game at home to Middlesbrough tomorrow before visiting Aston Villa on Monday.

And their Champions League victory has left an open "motorway" for Chelsea to go on and win the competition, Wenger said yesterday.

"I feel that Chelsea are big favourites against Monaco. Real Madrid conceded five goals against Monaco, which I don't think Chelsea will do.

"Chelsea are strong where Madrid were weak. Chelsea are also good away from home. I would say their weakness lies more at Stamford Bridge. If Monaco have a chance, it is possibly in the second leg."

Arjen Robben, who was signed by Chelsea during the January transfer window but does not arrive at Stamford Bridge until this summer, has given Claudio Ranieri his complete backing.

Robben said: "It's a bit strange signing for a club where you don't know who the manager will be but, in football, you're never sure about anything. In a few weeks, Ranieri could be fired but nothing is certain.

"I hope he stays because we had a meeting and he came across as a man who can work with young players which is very important."

Robben also moved to reassure Damien Duff and Joe Cole that they should not fear for their places next season. Duff had admitted that the £12 million signing of fellow left winger Robben was like a "kick in the teeth".

However, the Dutchman insisted: "It shouldn't be a problem for Damien because we can both play in different positions and can play in the same team. It's not my fault the club want me. Damien and Joe are very good players and they shouldn't worry about me."