Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has admitted the Champions League is the club’s main priority this season.
The Londoners currently lie fifth in the league – a staggering 12 points behind league leaders Man United.
With a second consecutive Premiership crown looking increasingly unlikely, Lampard has conceded the Champions League comes first.
When asked if he would take the Champions League over the Premiership, he told the Mirror: “It’s a horrible question – but I would say I would.
“I hate putting one above the other but having won three Premier League titles the Champions League is the one to win.
“It depends on the squad but I think if you’re going well in the Champions League it can help your league form.
“If you’re winning in Europe, that form can be carried into the league.”
Since Roman Abramovich bought Chelsea in 2003, his millions have helped the club to three Premier League titles but the one crown he craves, the Champions League, has continued to evade him.
In an attempt to rejuvenate his ageing side, Abramovich spent more than £70 million in January securing the services of Fernando Torres and David Luiz.
But after a disastrous run of results, Chelsea find themselves languishing in fifth place – leaving them outside the qualifying spots for next season’s Champions League.
The prospect of the league champions finishing outside the top four would be a disaster – and a real boot in the face for new signing Fernando Torres.
Spaniard Torres signed for Chelsea believing they were a club that were making progress. He left Liverpool to join a club which would provide him with Champions League action.
But, as things stand, Torres could find himself competing in the Europa League next season – alongside former club Liverpool.