Didier Drogba has admitted Chelsea face an uphill battle to retain their Premier League title, despite Manchester United's defeat at the weekend.

18143 - Didier Drogba concedes title 'jeopardy'

Chelsea themselves were beaten on Sunday, as Liverpool triumphed at Stamford Bridge thanks to a solitary goal from Raul Meireles.

The result leaves the defending champions ten points behind United with just 13 games remaining, a deficit the Ivorian concedes the club will be unlikely to overcome.

"We had just started to hold our heads above the water, but that defeat against Liverpool has stunted us and put in jeopardy for the rest of our Premier League season," Drogba told L'Equipe. "It will be difficult to catch Manchester United again."

The club had hoped the signing of £50 million forward Fernando Torres would boost results, but the former Red was lacklustre in his debut for his new side. Nevertheless, his strike partner believes the Spaniard will soon come good - seeing his presence in the squad not as a threat, but as an advantage.

"Torres? He is a talented player, important for the team," Drogba said. "Against his former team-mates it was difficult on a psychological level for him.

"Competition? It has always been like this and that is why we have won trophies."