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Cape Town - Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois believes the club can still finish in the Premier League's top four, but admits it will not be easy.
The defending Premier League champions are almost certainly going to see the title go to Manchester City this season, with Pep Guardiola's side leading Manchester United by 13 points with a game in hand.
Antonio Conte's side lost 2-1 at United on Sunday, leaving them in fifth position and two points below fourth-placed Tottenham, but Courtois believes they can bounce back and get back into the Champions League qualification spots.
"It stays the same, it is tough," the Belgium international was quoted as saying by the Daily Mail.
"City are obviously far away but for the second, third and fourth spot there are five teams so it will be hard until the last match of the season.
"But I think we have enough quality as we saw on Sunday and we showed it against Barcelona. I think we are a very good team but there are some other good teams around us as well."
Meanwhile, Courtois has voiced his concern about the Antonio Conte's decision to substitute Eden Hazard against the Red Devils on Sunday.
"I have no explanation for the substitution of Hazard," Chelsea’s goalkeeper told Belgian outlet Play Sports.
"I had not expected him to take him off but it is a choice of the manager. He must explain. I can’t look into his head.
"Players like Eden should have 90 minutes on the pitch. He can always bring something extra offensive."
Chelsea are up against City on Sunday at the Ethihad Stadium.
Kick-off is at 18:00.
