Football
Stephan Uersfeld, Germany correspondent 10y

Schurrle admits Chelsea under pressure to win Premier League title

Andre Schurrle is aware that Chelsea are under pressure to win the Premier League title this season and acknowledges Manchester City as their closest rivals, the Germany attacker has told kicker. 

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Schurrle, 23, arrived at Stamford Bridge from Leverkusen in the summer of 2013 and during his maiden campaign, Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho moved the winger from the left to the right, a position he also predominantly featured in at the World Cup, where he excelled as Germany's super sub.

In Brazil, he scored three goals as a substitute, and set up a further three including Mario Gotze's title-winning goal in the World Cup final against Argentina. 

Back at Stamford Bridge, the former Leverkusen man now wants to lift silverware with Chelsea after finishing his first year in England without a trophy. 

"We were already made aware in pre-season that the club is under pressure that we have to win something. At Chelsea everyone's used to winning a title every year. And we also added a lot of quality this summer," Schurrle told kicker, referring to the signings of Diego Costa, Cesc Fabregas and Filipe Luis.

"We have a huge squad now; 20 players, who all want to play. If we manage to become one team now, we can achieve something. The Premier League stands above all, especially for the fans," Schurrle added, pointing out the priorities at Stamford Bridge. 

"After four years without that title everyone's longing for it. I think that Manchester City are our main rivals. Arsenal made good reinforcements. And at Manchester United you need to wait and see how long it takes Louis van Gaal to complete the transition. I also have Liverpool in my books."

In the Champions League, the 2012 winners have been drawn against Sporting Lisbon, Maribor and Bundesliga club Schalke.

"It's mandatory to make it out the group. There is no alternative to it. We want to win the group. I am especially looking forward to the games against Schalke and to playing in Germany again," he said.

"Right now, I am just unbelievably happy at Chelsea, but my career is still long. The Bundesliga is always tempting."

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