Paris Saint-Germain coach Carlo Ancelotti has says he finds it "bizarre" that some of his players have given up on winning the Ligue 1 title with four games of the season still to play.
The capital club came into this midweek's round of fixtures five points behind league leaders Montpellier, and they could fall eight adrift with Montpellier hosting Evian on Tuesday before PSG entertain Saint-Etienne on Wednesday.
Disappointed PSG players said in the wake of Sunday's defeat to Lille that their chances of winning a first league crown since 1994 were effectively over, but Italian Ancelotti is not giving up hope just yet.
"It is a bit bizarre (that they said that). I think it is going to be very tough, but football can be a bizarre game too," he said.
"Everyone thought that the Champions League final would be between Real Madrid and Barcelona, or that Manchester United would easily win the (Premier League) title.
"I don't think the championship is already decided. We have to play our games and do as well as we possibly can.
"We need to focus on our own game, not that of Montpellier. If we take 12 points then we are assured of second place and qualification for the Champions League."
When Ancelotti took charge of PSG during the winter break, they were three points clear of Montpellier at the Ligue 1 summit.
It has been quite a fall from grace, and Ancelotti says the difference between the two clubs is "continuity."
"Montpellier have been very good. They have won a lot of games, had continuity. We have not. That explains it. We have dropped a lot of points," he said before turning his attentions to the clash with Saint-Etienne.
"Saint-Etienne are sixth, chasing a European place, so this will be a difficult game."
Ancelotti also admitted that Lille star Eden Hazard -- a target for numerous leading English sides -- is not on his summer shopping list, despite starring against PSG at the weekend.
Source: AFP
