Rafael Benitez retains faith in Chelsea title challenge

Interim boss Rafael Benitez believes Chelsea can still win the title despite their failure to score in his two games in charge so far.

Chelsea shared after the Blues' own fans jeered him in a goalless draw with Manchester City.

The Londoners lie seven points behind leaders Manchester United in third.

"Why can't we?" Benitez replied when asked about Chelsea's title hopes. "It's still a long way to go. We have to keep going. We'll have chances."

Chelsea were four points clear at the top of the table after their 4-2 win at Tottenham on 21 October, but they have lost their form and a manager since then.

Roberto Di Matteo did not win another league game in charge of the side and was relieved of his duties in the wake of the Champions League defeat at Juventus on 20 November.

With two 0-0 draws in Benitez's first two matches as Di Matteo's replacement, Chelsea now face the formidable task of overhauling both Manchester United and defending champions Manchester City, who are six points ahead in second.

But Benitez is taking solace in City's own dramatic final-day victory in last season's title race.

"Remember last season when City were ahead and it was 'easy'," he added.

"Then they needed to win their last game. It's a long, long competition."

Fernando Torres, who signed for a club record £50m in January 2011, has not scored in more than 10 hours of Premier League football after failing to find the net once again.

But Benitez insisted that a change in approach rather than personnel is required to get his team scoring.

"I saw a lot of positive things, sustaining the attacks and regaining the ball very high," Benitez said.

"I didn't like the two chances we gave away on the counter-attack, and when we didn't move the ball too quickly, but it's a question of time.

"We have to link with our attacking players and we have to do it quicker. If you give the defenders time to reorganise it is always harder, even with the players we have.

"The shape of the team is OK, but we have to play with a little bit more tempo and quicker for the players that we have up front."