Enzo Maresca didn’t play down the magnitude of Chelsea’s upcoming Premier League conflict with Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday, labelling it a “large” recreation.
Chelsea discover themselves within the prime 4 heading into the match at Stamford Bridge, however might be out of the Champions League locations by the point kick-off comes round.
The Blues are a degree forward of Manchester Metropolis, who face Leicester Metropolis on Wednesday, with Newcastle United and Brighton additionally inside putting distance.
Chelsea have misplaced simply one in all their final 12 Premier League video games towards Spurs (W9 D2), profitable the final three in a row by an mixture rating of 10-4.
Ange Postecoglou’s facet are 14th within the standings, although Maresca stated their place within the desk meant nothing heading into the London derby.
“It’s an enormous recreation. We all know how vital it’s for the followers and the membership. Additionally it is vital for us to attempt to end the place we at the moment are,” Maresca stated.
“Tottenham have plenty of good gamers, however regardless of who’s taking part in, it’s going to be a derby, and it’s the Premier League and you may wrestle towards any workforce.
“We wish to be direct and fast after they press greater. We can’t be direct and fast in the event that they sit again.
“In our final three house video games, they’ve all been video games with each participant behind the ball. When you might have gamers who like to run behind, it’s simpler.
“If we win, you may construct momentum for the top. They’re all vital video games. We have to win as many video games as we will, and we are going to see the place we end.”
Maresca was additionally available to debate the way forward for Jadon Sancho, who’s at present on mortgage at Chelsea from fellow Premier League facet, Manchester United.
Sancho’s transfer to Stamford Bridge included an obligation for the Blues to purchase him on the finish of the season in the event that they end 14th or greater within the desk.
The reported charge is predicted to be between £20-25million, although the 25-year-old has did not impress for Chelsea this season.
He has registered simply seven purpose involvements (two targets, 5 assists) in 23 appearances within the Premier League this marketing campaign.
Sancho’s final contribution got here with an help for Cole Palmer in Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace in January, with Maresca left wanting extra from the attacker.
“You in all probability have extra information than me by way of Jadon. For me, his scenario doesn’t change, it’s precisely the identical,” Maresca added.
“For positive, he can do higher by way of numbers, little question, however it’s not solely about Jadon. We have now extra gamers in the identical scenario.
“I don’t want to provide Jadon a message, I converse with him each day. I had a dialog with him yesterday.
“He must proceed to provide his greatest till the top. That’s what we would like from Jadon.”
Maresca additionally revealed that attacking trio Palmer, Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson would all be out there to face Spurs.
“Cole is again, he’s okay. Noni is best. Nico is best. They’re all good,” he stated.
