Guus Hiddink has admitted Chelsea can still secure Champions League football for next season, although he conceded a top-four finish will not be so straightforward this term.
The Dutchman oversaw Chelsea's first away win since August on Sunday as the champions beat Crystal Palace 3-0 at Selhurst Park to also hand Hiddink his first victory back in charge of the club.
The result was important in moving Chelsea away from the relegation places - they now sit in 14th place, six points above the drop zone - although they remain 10 points off fourth-placed Manchester United.
Despite the gap, Hiddink insisted his Chelsea side can still secure Champions League football this season, but warned the Blues of getting carrying away following the win over Palace.
"Do not go over the top it is the first win after a worrying period with two draws so the team desperately needed the win and it was convincing," he told Sky Sports.
"Everyone knows we have a lot of quality in our team, but sometimes champions have a tendency to be complacent and it can be difficult to get back and then wonder why we were champions.
"There is a long way to go, mathematically the possibility of Champions League is still there. The league is so strong but as long as we play like we did today I will be happy."
Player Ratings: Crystal Palace vs Chelsea
