Chelsea can do the double this season: Mikel

London, Mar 23 (ANI): Chelsea midfielder Mikel is confident that the club can still lift the double this season, after owner Roman Abramovich turned up unannounced at the club's training ground, asking every single player and member of the coaching and medical staff to perform or perish.

The Russian billionaire addressed his Blues squad in the aftermath of their Champions League exit to Inter Milan last week.

But Chelsea stumbled again on Sunday as they only managed a 1-1 draw at Blackburn to surrender their title advantage to Manchester United.

Mikel insists the surprise Abramovich rallying call sets them up well, The Sun reports.

"He just came to show support, nothing else. He came to cheer the players. We have a Double to win.

"He's a football man, he understands us entirely. Obviously everyone was shattered after Inter and he wanted to make sure we kept our heads up," Mikel said.

The Blues know if they fail in both the league and FA Cup it will count as a failure of a season.

Mikel added: "It would be a big disappointment but we know we will win both. We have to fight as a team, we don't have to play as individuals."

Chelsea travel to Fratton Park to face Portsmouth tomorrow night.

A win would put Carlo Ancelotti's men back within a point of leaders United with a trip to Old Trafford looming on Easter Saturday. (ANI)