Graham Potter has praised Chelsea's character after they managed to see out a 1-0 victory over Leeds United on Saturday afternoon.
Amid reports that the fixtures with the Yorkshire giants and Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday evening could prove pivotal regarding his future, Potter and his Blues side were under pressure ahead of the showdown at Stamford Bridge.
However, a second-half goal from Wesley Fofana proved to be enough for Chelsea as they edged out their relegation-threatened opponents.
The West Londoners remain in 10th position in the standings, still 11 points adrift of fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur who lost away at Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Nevertheless, success for Chelsea ended a winless streak which had lasted since the middle of January, while they also ended a run of three successive games without finding the back of the net.
Speaking after the game, Potter acknowledged that the win felt "massive", being left further satisfied that his players had to fight to get over the line under intense circumstances.
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The Englishman told BBC Sport: "It is [massive]. Delighted for the players and supporters. We've had to suffer.
"It's been a challenging period. I thought we played well in the first half and attacked well. We were a team who had something to lose so it was great character from the players, they cared and showed togetherness in the team. It gives us something to build on.
"People care. Players want to win and supporters want us to do well. 1-0 in the Premier League, anything can happen, when you consider the run we're on, it's not surprising [there were nerves]. The players fought for the win and it allows us to keep moving forward."
Although Chelsea now sit just one point adrift of ninth-placed Brentford, the Bees have two games in hand, the first coming at home to Fulham on Monday evening.
After Tuesday's key European fixture with Dortmund, Chelsea make the journey to face Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on March 11.
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