Chelsea can win title - Hasselbaink

Hasselbaink is confident of Chelsea success

Chelsea's Dutch hitman Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has insisted that the Blues can lift the Premiership trophy this season.

The former Leeds striker, signed for £15m from Atletico Madrid, said his new side could compete with both Manchester United and the Elland Road club.

Hasselbaink, 28, has been signed to solve Chelsea's profligacy in front of goal which has often blunted their rapier-like approach play.

The record signing, who kept a close eye on the Premiership on television while in Spain, admits that he was slightly surprised that the Blues faltered badly in their championship challenge last season.

"The season before that, they were seriously challenging for the championship. I think it was also to do with the Champions League," he said.

I think we can compete with Leeds and can compete with Manchester United as well

  Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink

"But this is a new year, new chances and that's what we are here for.

"Of course Leeds are a good team but I think we can compete with them and can compete with Manchester United as well."

He added: "I think each year the Premiership is becoming better. I don't rate the Italian league that much. I think it's a little bit too defensive.

"But I think that along with the Spanish league, the Premiership is one of the best leagues in the world - or the best."

Summer spree

Chelsea have splashed out £25m in the summer to snare Hasselbaink, Mario Stanic and Eidur Gudjohnsen but the Dutch goalscorer is not interested in the cost of the transfer dealings.

"We have to be a good team and to work with each other. I'm here to play football, not to think about how much Chelsea can or cannot spend.

"I can tell you one thing though, if we were to play against Lazio, we would definitely give them a match."

Burden

The striker is expected to lead the Chelsea line in Europe this season but is keen to downplay the burden he will encounter.

"At Chelsea, we have got a lot of good players and I hope to fit in as well as possible and do a good job. I'm very excited and I cannot wait to start," he said.

"There's always pressure when you come for a lot of money and it will be a challenging year for me. But I didn't put the tag on myself and I can't do anything about it."