David Luiz has said that Chelsea's upcoming games against Newcastle and Valencia are crucial if any hopes of success this season are to be retained.
Chelsea are ten points behind Premier League leaders Manchester City heading into tomorrow's trip to Newcastle, and they need a win or a 0-0 draw against Valencia next Tuesday if they are to progress in the Champions League.
The Blues were knocked out of the Carling Cup by Liverpool on Tuesday, and defender Luiz says that now is the time to turn their season around.
"We are not a team in crisis but the games with Newcastle and Valencia will be decisive for us," Luiz told The Sun.
"We have suffered a series of bad results and there has been a lot of pain in the dressing room. But now is the moment for take off and we are determined to win our next few matches.
"We must beat Newcastle and Valencia to stay in with a chance of winning the Premier and Champions Leagues."
Luiz signed for Chelsea from Benfica in January for a reported £21m.
