Chelsea players determined to change 'difficult situation', says Pedro

Pedro insists all the Chelsea players are prepared to battle for the rest of the season to make sure it ends with success.

Chelsea bounced back from their Champions League loss to Barcelona last Wednesday by beating Leicester City in the FA Cup Quarter Final just four days later.

It has kept their hopes of winning some silverware this term alive, while Pedro feels the victory can also have a positive impact on their League form as they pursue a top four finish.

They currently sit in fifth spot with just eight League matches remaining and Pedro said: "After the Barcelona defeat, it was very important for us to get the confidence again to help us fight until the end in the remaining games.

"It's a very difficult situation for us, but we are still fighting for the top four and the FA Cup. We have one-two months left in the season and all the players have to give the maximum.

"There is a good atmosphere in the changing room to change this situation and to fight until the end for our targets. This is the way for us.

"This win gives us a good moment. It has come at a very important moment in the season and will help us go for the FA Cup and the top four. It's a good chance for us to finish the season well."

Chelsea went to the King Power Stadium having lost their previous five away games and looked vulnerable after Jamie Vardy cancelled out Alvaro Morata's opening goal with 14 minutes of normal time remaining.

Yet Antonio Conte's side progressed to a semi-final clash with Southampton at Wembley next month thanks to Pedro's header in extra time.

Defender Antonio Rudiger added: "It was a mentality test and we came through it. We never gave up and we tried our best.

"The last months, the last weeks, were not easy for us. But against Leicester we showed it doesn't matter what's happened, we can still do something. We believe in ourselves and that's a very important point."

Chelsea are now strong favourites to reach the FA Cup Final for a second successive year after avoiding Manchester United and Tottenham in the draw.

When asked by Standard Sport if he was happy not to play them, Pedro replied: "Yes. Sometimes you are lucky but every game is difficult. For sure Southampton will be a very difficult game for us.

"After last year (where they lost to Arsenal in the Final), it will be very good if we win this trophy. I have never won it and it is a very good target for me.

"It's a good target for the team as well because it's a good competition here in England. It will be tough to get past Southampton in the semi final and then win the final. Southampton play very well and it will a difficult game."

Pedro was left out of the Spain squad for their forthcoming friendlies against Germany and Argentina, but has not given up on playing in the World Cup this summer.

He added: "The World Cup is always the best for a player and if you have the possibility to go, you have to fight until the end for it."

It is understood that Conte has given players who are not going away on international duty this week some time off.

Midfielder Cesc Fabregas confirmed after the Leicester game he is going on vacation to an unknown destination for four days, while Pedro is considering spending time back in Barcelona.