Remy hoping for triumphant finale

19 May 2015 12:47

Loic Remy has told Chelsea to finish the season with a flourish and get used to being targets next season.

Jose Mourinho's champions suffered just their fourth loss in all competitions on Monday night, falling to a 3-0 Premier League defeat at The Hawthorns as West Brom ended their 16-game unbeaten run.

Chelsea, who had Cesc Fabregas sent off, struggled to rouse themselves for the contest with the title secure, but the Baggies had no such trouble as a Saido Berahino double earned victory.

The loss means Chelsea can no longer reach the 90-point mark, but France striker Remy wants the Blues to finish on a high against Sunderland on Sunday before the trophy is presented and the west London victory parade the following day.

"Next season every team will really want to beat the champions, as West Brom did, and we have to prepare ourselves for this kind of game," Remy told chelseafc.com.

"Next season will be even more difficult than this one because of that.

"Now we have one game coming at home, the last game of the season, and we really want to win it in front of our supporters.

"It will be a special game because we are already champions but we have to be focused and stay professional until the end.

"We want to finish the season in the best way we can. The best reaction we can have is to give everybody a win and finish on a great note."

Izzy Brown, who joined Chelsea's academy from West Brom, made his first-team debut against his former club and wants further opportunities next term.

Mourinho has said Ruben Loftus-Cheek will be retained next season, but his contemporaries will likely go out on loan. Brown wishes to stay as part of Mourinho's squad.

The 18-year-old told the London Evening Standard: "It is a hard balance, but if you're training with the best players in the world and learning from the best manager in the world, what more can you ask for?

"That's maybe more development for me than going to play in the Championship.

"What happens next season all depends how pre-season goes. We will have a sit down and talk about it and see where my future is. But long-term, it is definitely at Chelsea."

Brown came on with Chelsea already trailing 3-0 and was jeered by Baggies fans.

"Some people don't understand, but ever since I was a kid I have been a Chelsea fan," he added.

"My dream was always to play for Chelsea so when the chance came, I couldn't say no. It had nothing to do with the money. I love Chelsea and I love playing for the club I supported."

Not since John Terry's emergence almost 17 years ago have Chelsea produced a homegrown player to feature prominently in the first XI, but Brown is part of an exciting young group.

"There are so many great young players at Chelsea now. It's frightening," Brown added.

"Winning the UEFA Youth League and FA Youth Cup this season proves we are the best team in England.

"There are so many good players, it's just about making that step."

Berahino reached the 20-goal mark for the season with his strikes, the first from 25 yards ending a nine-game goal drought.

Berahino told expressandstar.com: "It still doesn't beat my Southampton goal. I'm just happy to get two goals and contribute.

"It was a while for me, since I scored my last goal. I was happy.

"I'm happy I've got 20 goals. I just look forward to finishing strong."

The England Under-21 striker's second came from the penalty spot after he was fouled by Chelsea captain John Terry.

"I'm surprised I had that much power, after John Terry took me out, gave us that two-goal lead," Berahino added.

"I look forward to Arsenal now (on Sunday). We're going to take this momentum into the Arsenal game and try to get a result there."

Source: PA