Football London

Joao Pedro and Levi Colwill have been left out of the matchday squad for Chelsea's clash against Tottenham Hotspur.

Joao Pedro suffered a knock ahead of Chelsea's clash against Tottenham Hotspur, football.london understands. The Blues striker was one of three big names to be left out of the matchday squad at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night, with Malo Gusto and Levi Colwill also missing out.

The Chelsea right-back sustained a minor injury in the days building up to the match, while the Cobham graduate was rested, having only recently returned to action following a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Earlier this month, Colwill, who tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee on the first day of pre-season training in early August, made his first start for Chelsea in almost a year. He helped the Blues salvage a point against Liverpool at Anfield.

A week later, the England international started – and finished – the FA Cup final. Despite Colwill's best efforts, he couldn't lead Chelsea to victory at Wembley Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

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With only a couple of days to prepare for the clash against the Lilywhites, the 23-year-old centre-half was omitted from the matchday squad due to load management. Speaking to reporters at Cobham on Monday morning, Calum McFarlane provided an update on Colwill.

The interim Blues boss said: "Yeah, we need to be careful with Levi. He's obviously come in the back of a very serious injury. He's performed well in those two games.

"We'll see how he looks today, we'll see how he reports, and we'll make a decision on that. But definitely, I agree, we have to manage him right."

McFarlane later added: "Yeah, it's been great to have Levi back. Great for English football as well. I think we've got a really, really talented, really high-potential player here, and injuries are a part of it, and he's shown really good mental strength and character to come through that and perform away at Anfield and in an FA Cup final.

"So yeah, really, really excited about Levi. He's added a lot to the team, not just on the pitch but off the pitch as well. So it's been a brilliant two games for him, and hopefully he can finish the season strong."

Having lost to Pep Guardiola's side in the FA Cup final, Chelsea can now only qualify for either of UEFA's three club competitions via the Premier League. On how motivated the Blues are to climb the table and seal European football, McFarlane said: "Yeah, we're very, very focused.

"We need to win the next two games to give ourselves the best chance to finish as high up in the league as possible and get European football. That is our only focus in doing our job and putting in the performance we need to be a good side."

McFarlane added: "I think the players have shown in the last two games that their fight and their heart has been questioned at times. I think they've shown in the last two games that, for me, that's not an issue.

"Everyone knows the rivalry between Chelsea and Tottenham, but ultimately, both teams have got a lot to play for. So I don't think we're going to have to do anything extra special to motivate the lads.

"We need six points from our next two games. I think they need a point to almost guarantee safety. So both teams are fighting at different parts of the table, but both teams are fighting for the point.

"So we shouldn't need to add any extra motivation. But it will naturally be there with a London derby between Chelsea and Tottenham."

Here's the Tottenham team that Roberto De Zerbi has selected to face Chelsea in the Premier League on Tuesday evening

Roberto De Zerbi has made a big goalkeeping decision as Tottenham take on Chelsea in the Premier League on Tuesday night.

Spurs go into the encounter at Stamford Bridge knowing that they need just one point from either of their remaining two matches to keep them in the top flight, barring an incredible goal difference swing after West Ham's 3-1 loss at Newcastle. A rare victory at the Bridge would guarantee Tottenham's spot in the top flight next season but it would be only their second win there in the Premier League era.

Spurs are four matches unbeaten under De Zerbi and have had eight days to prepare and recover while their hosts come into the game three days after their Saturday's FA Cup defeat to Manchester City at Wembley.

De Zerbi's big decision came with Spurs goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario available after returning to training following his hernia surgery, but with Vicario not sharp yet and Antonin Kinsky in good form, the head coach has stuck with the young Czech and Vicario takes a spot on the bench.

Elsewhere the Italian has kept with the same team that won at Aston Villa and drew against Leeds. James Maddison overcame a little problem earlier in the week and has trained well in recent days so could get more than the 20 minutes he came back with against Leeds.

Richarlison and Randal Kolo Muani form part of the attacking three after missing out on the Brazil and France World Cup squads respectively.

Here's the Tottenham team De Zerbi has selected to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge:

With a miserable 2025/26 campaign coming to its conclusion, Chelsea's sporting directors have released a lengthy statement ahead of this evening's Premier League clash with Tottenham

Chelsea's Sporting Leadership team have accepted they "must do better" in the future and have acknowledged the standards of the club have not been met this season.

The Blues will finish the campaign trophy-less after two managerial changes throughout the season. Enzo Maresca left in January after falling out with the club's board, before his successor Liam Rosenior was sacked in April after less than four months in the dugout.

After winning the Conference League and Club World Cup last season, Chelsea will finish this season without a trophy and are unlikely to qualify for next season's Champions League. European football is still on the radar of the Blues, but the five-strong team of sporting directors - Laurence Stewart, Paul Winstanley, Joe Shields, Sam Jewell and Dave Fallows - have accepted this is not good enough in relation to the club's high standards.

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The Sporting Leadership team have released a lengthy letter - consisting of over 850 words - in the matchday programme ahead of this evening's Premier League fixture with Tottenham.

The letter read: "As we welcome you to Stamford Bridge for one final time this season, in a game that always carries special meaning, we do so mindful that this is the point at which a campaign is ultimately defined.

"This season has been one that has demanded resilience, belief and unity. Across the men's, women's and Academy teams, our players and staff have continued to represent this club with commitment and purpose, while striving every day to push standards higher. The journey of a season is rarely straightforward, but progress is best measured by how a group responds to challenge, and in that sense we have continued to grow.

"At the same time, we are clear in our assessment of the campaign as a whole. It began in strong fashion, with the club crowned world champions at the FIFA Club World Cup. While we are proud of that success, and what it represents for this group, we recognise that the season overall has not met the standards, expectations or ambitions that define Chelsea Football Club.

"We understand the disappointment that brings, and we share it. This is a club that measures itself against the very highest levels, and we know we must do better. That responsibility is very clear, and it is one we fully accept. The club's supporters expect more, and so do we.

"We remain clear in our ambition for Chelsea Football Club. Our aim is to build teams that compete with courage and intelligence, bravery and unity, while establishing foundations that endure beyond a single season. That approach has guided our recruitment, our development strategy and the alignment between the Academy and the first teams.

"Creating sustainable success means investing in talent, but also in time, structure and shared values. No club wants to experience change in the head coach position, and we are continuing to work to bring stability to that role.

"With that in mind, we were delighted to announce the appointment of Xabi Alonso as Manager of the Men's Team on Sunday. Xabi is one of the most respected figures in the modern game and will begin work with us this summer having already experienced coaching at the highest level of European football with Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen.

"He is not only an outstanding coach but also a proven leader, and we are thoroughly looking forward to working closely with him. Please join us in giving Xabi a warm welcome to the Chelsea family.

"Before then, we look forward to tonight's London derby against Tottenham Hotspur, as the men's team looks to end the Premier League season strongly after narrowly missing out on silverware by finishing runner-up in Saturday's FA Cup final.

"Thanks must go to Calum [McFarlane] and his staff for their efforts after stepping up from the Academy this season - a symbol of the pathway both on and off the pitch. Expectations at Chelsea are always to be competing at the top of the Premier League and qualifying for the UEFA Champions League at this stage of the season. That has not changed. Everyone at this club is doing everything they can to correct that next year."

On the women's and academy team, the sporting directors added: "Sonia [Bompastor] has set such high standards for Chelsea Women and that success is underlined by the fact winning a single trophy is a below-par season for the team. We are still proud of the achievements and know that the work being done now is providing the foundations for Chelsea Women to maintain our place as the leaders and trailblazers in the sport.

"We want to give a special mention and thanks to captain Millie Bright who announced her retirement last month, as well as Sam Kerr who played her final game for the club on Saturday, fittingly scoring the winner and equalling a club record of 116 goals.

"Millie's service to Chelsea, winning 20 trophies and making 314 appearances over 12 years, cements her place in the history of the club, and we were proud to unveil her tribute on the Shed Wall this week. Both Millie and Sam will forever be Chelsea legends.

"Again this season, the Academy has taken meaningful steps in their journey, reinforcing our belief that Cobham will continue to be central to the club's future. Teams and individuals have progressed, with the Under-21s crowned Premier League 2 champions and the Under-18s clinched the Premier League South title, as well as significant success throughout the age groups.

"Special congratulations goes to Shim Mheuka who was named PL2 Player of the Season last week. Providing pathways and opportunity for young players is a tangible part of how we intend to compete at the highest level. We are proud of the progress shown and determined to see that work continue.

"For those of you that will be travelling to Sunderland for the final game of the season, we look forward to seeing you there and hope it is an enjoyable and successful trip. Otherwise, we hope you all have a relaxing summer break before we return in August for the new season. Thank you so much for your loyal support in 2025/26."

Here's the Tottenham team we reckon Roberto De Zerbi will select to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Tuesday

Roberto De Zerbi must pick the Tottenham starting line-up that he believes can take home the required points from Chelsea to keep the club in the Premier League.

Spurs need just a single point from either of their remaining two matches to keep them in the Premier League, barring a remarkable goal difference swing after West Ham's 3-1 defeat at Newcastle, while a victory would guarantee their place in the top flight next season.

Tottenham have won only once at Chelsea in the Premier League era but come into the game on a four-match unbeaten streak under De Zerbi. They have had eight days to prepare and recover while their hosts come into the game three days after their Saturday's FA Cup defeat to Manchester City at Wembley.

While Dominic Solanke is not yet back from his hamstring issue with De Zerbi saying he did not want to risk the striker, Spurs goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario is available after returning to training following his hernia surgery.

When football.london asked the Tottenham boss how difficult his decision was with Vicario not sharp yet and Antonin Kinsky in good form, De Zerbi said: "No it's not difficult. It's easy. Yes, Vicario is number one but we have to consider the physical condition, the moment, everything, but I have a big relationship with Antonin Kinsky and Vicario as well and there will not be any problem."

With that he appeared to suggest that he would stick with Kinsky between the sticks over the returning Vicario, which makes sense because the Czech is sharp and in good form while the Italian would be coming in cold with plenty of pressure on him to show the same level.

Elsewhere it's difficult to see what De Zerbi would change about the team that started at Leeds because it's the same one that performed in the right way in the away game at Aston Villa and they need another hard-working display on the road. Keeping consistency with the selection can only help the players with those patterns of play and understanding of an albeit compromised version of De Zerbi's football.

James Maddison overcame a little problem earlier in the week and has trained well in recent days so the 29-year-old could get more than the 20 minutes he returned for against Leeds, which could be important later in the night if Spurs can keep the game tight.

Here's the Tottenham team we reckon De Zerbi will select at Stamford Bridge:

Jamie Carragher delivered a priceless reaction to Patrick Viera's comments on Tottenham as Spurs battle with West Ham to stay in the Premier League

Arsenal legend Patrick Viera has expressed his disappointment that Tottenham's relegation rivals West Ham United are in pole position to get relegated from the Premier League.

Following Sunday's 3-1 defeat at Newcastle, the Hammers sit 18th, two points from safety and will be relegated if Tottenham beat Chelsea on Tuesday night. Should Spurs find a draw at Stamford Bridge, it will all-but relegate Nuno Espirito Santo's side due to their inferior goal difference.

Analysing the relegation battle ahead of Arsenal's game against Burnley on Monday Night Football, Viera admitted he is " quite sad" that West Ham are facing the threat of going down to the Championship.

As Chelsea were in action against Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday, their home game against Tottenham was rearranged for this Tuesday, leaving Spurs with two more games to end the season.

When asked if he thinks Tottenham can get a positive result against Chelsea on Tuesday, Viera said on Sky Sports: "I think Spurs can get something at Stamford Bridge."

Viera then switched his attention to Spurs' relegation rivals West Ham and added: "I think the games West Ham lost have been too much for them, and now going down. I feel disappointed because it's a big club, a huge club in England. To see them in that position is quite sad, but I think it's too late for them to survive."

But, just after Viera said he is sad that West Ham are in the relegation zone, Jamie Carragher gave a priceless reaction, rolling his eyes to the side and seemed in disbelief that he made the comments.

Spurs make the trip to Chelsea on Tuesday looking to extend their unbeaten run to five matches, after picking up eight points from their last four in the top flight. Speaking pre-match, head coach Roberto De Zerbi is confident his side can collect a positive result in west London.

"We have to play with confidence because in the last four games, the last five games with me, because we didn't deserve to lose the game in Sunderland, but in the last four we made eight points," De Zerbi said.

"And if you analyse the performance, I think we could make more points than eight, and for that we have to be confident, be positive. Anyway, we can't forget one month ago what was the situation.

"We are not safe yet, it's tough in the Premier League. Making one point is tough because all teams fight on the pitch, all teams are very tough to beat, but we have the quality enough and we have to show the quality with the right mentality, the right spirit. I want to see courage on the pitch, try (to have) the condition to win the game, like in the last period."

The Tottenham Hotspur head coach has been speaking about the desire of many to see them get relegated from the Premier League

Roberto De Zerbi has put off transfer talk with Spurs CEO Vinai Venkatesham and sporting director Johan Lange and claims that because he's Italian he understands why everyone wants to see Tottenham relegated.

The 46-year-old has picked up sorry Spurs since taking over, leading them on an unbeaten four-game run while West Ham have lost three on the trot. That means the north London outfit are just a single point from all but securing their Premier League safety. Tottenham travel to Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night looking to pick up some rare points at Chelsea to consign the Hammers to the Championship.

De Zerbi has always maintained that everyone would rather see Spurs go down for the spectacle of it and he believes his nationality has given him as good an insight into why as anybody.

"I am Italian and in Italy, it’s the same. For the biggest teams, it's the same. We have to accept the pressure," he said. "We have to enjoy this pressure. We have to find new motivation from this pressure. I think it's a good thing for us. If everyone wants Tottenham relegated, it's a big motivation for me, and I hope for my players as well."

The Spurs boss wants his team to imagine picking up a rare victory against their rivals at Stamford Bridge, a venue they have only won one league game at in the Premier League era.

"We have to accept that football is nice because of the rivalry. It's good to imagine ourselves celebrating the win in their stadium," he said. "It's the reason football is like this, no? It's a motivation, it's a challenge. If a challenge is tougher, it's better for us to find new motivation and to be focused on staying together from the beginning to the end of the game."

Even though Spurs and Chelsea top the disciplinary tables this season, De Zerbi is not anticipating a repeat of the infamous Battle of the Bridge when Tottenham's Premier League title challenge ended in May 2016 against Chelsea amid four goals, 12 yellow cards and melees aplenty.

"Always calm with blood. With blood, with personality with the right spirit, but calm and focus just on the game," he said. "Because also the chance to score for Leeds [late on], when Kinsky saved. No, we went too strong, too fast, too strong on the ball and sometimes we have to be more calm."

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The same will have to apply to De Zerbi as the Italian is already on two yellow cards, picked up in both his home games against Brighton and Leeds, and another booking against Chelsea would rule him out of the dugout for a potentially crucial final day meeting with Everton.

"I don't play normally! I don't play on the pitch, and I have to be my myself. And normally, this (calm) is my behavior on the bench," said the head coach.

De Zerbi said that if Spurs stay up this season it will be all down to the players efforts in turning things around.

"They worked very well every day during the week. In football there are no secrets. The secret in football is working hard during the week, improving all characteristics to play a good game, style of play, offensive and defensive phases, the right player in the right position, increase the confidence, make individual meetings with the players, but there are no secrets," he explained.

"The players deserve to make the points and stay up because they have suffered a lot and right now they are suffering for the situation but in the end I think they deserve to be happy."

Can Spurs play for the draw at Stamford Bridge that would keep them up?

"No, no. Stop. We can't start the game thinking to draw. We have to start the game, and we prepare the game, and we speak in the meeting, to win the games. Both games," he said. "And then football is… we don’t know. But for sure we try to win."

Chelsea will have a new man at the helm this summer in the shape of Xabi Alonso and the Spaniard has been given the title of manager rather than head coach. De Zerbi, who was appointed head coach at Spurs, was asked what he thought about the difference in job title and perceived extra power in making decisions, including with transfers.

"I don't know. I think every coach wants to be important in the transfer market, to find the connection with the sporting director, with the board of the club, because everyone works for the good of the club, not for ourselves. But it’s not important now," he said.

football.london reporters select their Tottenham starting XIs for the Premier League trip to Chelsea

One point will effectively secure Tottenham's Premier League status for next season but they will be dreaming of recording a big win at Stamford Bridge against London rivals Chelsea.

Roberto De Zerbi has already warned his players they are "not safe yet," and while that remains true, there is finally light at the end of the tunnel for the Europa League winners.

There are a few key selection decisions for the Italian to make following last week's 1-1 draw against Leeds but it seems unlikely we will see too many changes.

football.london reporters Alasdair Gold and Ryan Taylor pick their starting XIs for the contest.

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Alasdair Gold - Tottenham correspondent

De Zerbi appeared to suggest that he would stick with Antonin Kinsky between the sticks over the returning Guglielmo Vicario and that's the right decision.

The Czech is sharp and in good form and the Italian would be coming in cold with plenty of pressure on him to show the same level.

Elsewhere I wouldn't change anything about the team as it's the same one that performed in the right way in the away game at Aston Villa.

Keeping some consistency with the selection can only help the players with their patterns of play and understanding of playing this slightly compromised version of De Zerbi's football.

James Maddison overcame a little problem earlier in the week and has trained well in recent days so could get more than the 20 minutes he got against Leeds, which could be important if Spurs can keep the game tight.

Gold's team: (4-2-3-1) Kinsky; Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Udogie; Palhinha, Bentancur; Kolo Muani, Gallagher, Tel; Richarlison.

Ryan Taylor

Tottenham may not have won against Leeds but there has been a familiarity about the team in recent weeks.

For that reason, it makes no sense to twist, particularly in goal, even if Guglielmo Vicario is back available.

Roberto De Zerbi makes no secret of the fact the Italian is his No.1 but Antonin Kinsky has been excellent in his absence and looks really comfortable between the sticks.

I'd keep him and the rest of the team the same because they're all in sync, have built relationships on the pitch over the past month and are putting points on the board.

I don't think James Maddison will be ready to start and there's no point throwing him into a game like this where the tackles will be flying in.

Spurs need to protect him, though his quality did shine through last week at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Maybe he can up it to 30 minutes from the bench depending on the context of the game.

Calum McFarlane faces some tough decisions for Chelsea's penultimate Premier League fixture of the season against Tottenham, just 72 hours after the FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City

It has been just 48 hours since Chelsea were beaten in the FA Cup final by Manchester City, but it almost feels a lifetime ago.

So much has happened since. Just over an hour after the final whistle was blown at Wembley Stadium, we brought you the news that an agreement had been reached between the Blues and Xabi Alonso over a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge. Since then, Chelsea have confirmed Alonso will take over on July 1.

Now, though, the focus is on finishing the season in the best possible way. Interim head coach Calum McFarlane - as always was the plan - will take the final two matches of the season. The Blues still have an outside shot of finishing in the European places.

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Tottenham are the visitors to Stamford Bridge on Tuesday evening as Chelsea's London rivals look to secure their Premier League status next season. With all of this being said, our Chelsea writers Bobby Vincent and Jake Stokes discuss and debate the Blues line-up they would choose for this fiercely-contested rivalry.

Bobby Vincent

McFarlane has gone with the 3-4-2-1 formation in the last two matches, perhaps with Alonso, who used a similar system during his successful period with Bayer Leverkusen, in mind. However, at home against Spurs, Chelsea need to try and take the game to Roberto De Zerbi's men.

He might choose to revert to a more orthodox four-back formation. Robert Sanchez as the goalkeeper, of course, with Malo Gusto at right-back. Reece James might need a rest given he returned from a hamstring injury in the FA Cup final at the weekend.

If the Blues go with four defenders, Trevoh Chalobah should return alongside Jorrel Hato. Given Levi Colwill has completed two full matches in the space of a week, the England international will surely start this one on the substitutes' bench.

Andrey Santos should come into the midfield in place of James. Romeo Lavia picked up a "small knock" in the build-up to the FA Cup final, so the Belgian midfielder is a doubt for this one. In front of the midfield, Cole Palmer is set to start on the right-hand side, with Enzo Fernandez in the No.10 role and perhaps Pedro Neto returning to the team on the left wing.

Alejandro Garnacho will be keen to get some minutes as he looks to impress Alonso, who will be watching on from somewhere. Garnacho being an out-and-out winger does not help his case when Alonso arrives, if the Spaniard opts with a wing-back formation.

Bobby's XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Hato, Cucurella; Caicedo, Santos; Palmer, Fernandez, Neto; Joao Pedro

Jake Stokes

The former Tottenham star has informed the struggling club that he's available should they need him

Toby Alderweireld has offered to make a stunning return to Tottenham Hotspur to turn the club's fortunes around.

Having started in Spurs' Champions League final defeat to Liverpool in 2019, the former Belgium defender has since witnessed the fall of the north London club that has resulted in their relegation fight this season.

Alderweireld retired last year but has told Spurs that he will return to the club in a non-playing role if they need his help. Speaking to The Athletic, the 37-year-old said: "If Tottenham need help, I’m there, why not? I think the other guys would feel the same.

"We had a wonderful team at that time, that was our strength. If I think about Sonny, Harry Kane, myself, Jan Vertonghen, they were down-to-earth people, good guys. They always put the club number one. Those are the people you want in your club."

Alderweireld cited his upbringing at Ajax where club legends held positions of authority to continue passing down the culture of the Dutch giants. He explained: "I always liked the clubs that have players who played there, who know the culture and what it is to play for the badge.

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"When I was at Ajax, there was Marc Overmars, Edwin van der Sar, Johan Cruyff, Dennis Bergkamp, Frank de Boer all in positions, and it helps to have those people in the club — players who achieved things and who are 100 per cent for the club."

A role of such a capacity would be Alderweireld's first in football. Since hanging up his boots after a three-year stint with Royal Antwerp, the ex-defender has focused his time on running his own liquor company and giving business presentations to crowds surpassing a thousand people.

The Belgian was adored during his six-year stay in the capital. Two matches remain in a horrendous season for Spurs who can seal their Premier League status with a win against Chelsea on Tuesday night.

Here's every single word the Tottenham Hotspur head coach said on Monday afternoon ahead of the Premier League match at Chelsea

Roberto De Zerbi had plenty to talk about at his press conference on Monday afternoon ahead of Tottenham's trip to Chelsea in the Premier League.

Following West Ham's 3-1 defeat at Newcastle, Spurs need just a point from either of their remaining two matches to keep them in the Premier League, barring a remarkable goal difference swing. A victory would guarantee their top flight status and De Zerbi will be hoping his team can prevent tension spreading into the final day by picking up a rare victory at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.

Tottenham have won only once at Chelsea in the Premier League era but come into the game on a four-match unbeaten streak under De Zerbi. Their hosts, after Saturday's FA Cup defeat to Manchester City, will also have a new man at the helm in the summer after the confirmation Xabi Alonso will be begin on July 1.

De Zerbi gave updates on Monday on the fitness of Dominic Solanke and Guglielmo Vicario as well as skipper Cristian Romero and vice-captain James Maddison.

Our Tottenham correspondent Alasdair Gold was among those putting the questions to the Spurs boss. Here's the full transcript from the press conference at Hotspur Way.

What's the latest team news?

Viciario is available to play. I decide tomorrow [who will start in goal]. Solanke is not good yet. He is not available. He feels something. I don’t want to take a risk for this game. We hope for Sunday. Maybe for Sunday he can be available for one part of the game.

Are your players ready to take advantage of West Ham's defeat to Newcastle and secure their safety?

My players have to be ready to play a good game. To play a game with courage, with pride, with work on the pitch and to try to make three points to win the game but we have to keep the balance. When we win, we are over. When we lose or maybe like against Leeds, we didn’t win but we felt something bad. Football is to keep the same balance, if you win or if you lose, in every result.

Spurs have only won once at Stamford Bridge out of 35 attempts? Why is it so hard?

Stamford Bridge is difficult. Tough stadium because the players of Chelsea in this last 30 to 25 seasons have been fantastic. Fantastic players, fantastic managers. But tomorrow is a new game, they played three days ago, two days ago very well. Maybe they didn’t deserve to lose the game. I know very well a lot of players and their style is clear. It is a tough game for us for sure.

How confident are you that Spurs have the resilience to get a result tomorrow?

We have to play with confidence because in the last four games, the last five games with me, because we didn't deserve to lose the game in Sunderland, but in the last four we made eight points. And if you analyse the performance, I think we could make more points than eight.

And for that we have to be confident, to be positive. Anyway, we can't forget one month ago what was the situation. We are not safe yet, it's tough in the Premier League.

Making one point is tough because all teams fight on the pitch, all teams are very tough to beat. But we have the quality enough and we have to show the quality with the right mentality, the right spirit. I want to see courage on the pitch, try the condition to win the game, like in the last period.

How do you expect Conor Gallagher to react to his Chelsea return?

From Conor, I expect the same performance. He's a great player for us, great personality. He doesn't speak too much, but he speaks on the pitch. On the pitch, with his work, with his personality, and we are lucky to have one player like this.

How much did you enjoy working with Moises Caicedo at Brighton and what have you made of his time at Chelsea?

Caicedo was a great player [at Brighton], it was a pleasure working with him. Like Robert Sanchez, like Levi Colwill and João Pedro. I think Caicedo now is one of the best midfielders in the world. Because he's a complete player, with the ball, without the ball.

But also our midfielders are very good. Palhinha, Bentancur, Gallagher and the others Gray, Bissouma, Bergvall, Pape, Sarr. I'm happy because I'm working with my players.

You've been positive from the start, not accepting any negativity, has that been the key?

I have just one face. I consider myself very honest as a man. I have big confidence in my players. I always started from the quality of the players. If I see, if I recognise the right qualities of my players I'm always positive. Then in the second moment after I came I knew the players better and the qualities of the players, the qualities of the people, I thought there was the right chance to fight. It's not finished but at the moment I'm happy with what the players have done in my time, but we need another step.

If you get that point then you're safe and you can start building towards next season. The summer includes the World Cup, how busy is it for a manager when....

Listen my head is not big enough to think about two, three, four things together. Now we have to reach the target and to make another result. We have to play another two games. We try to achieve the target tomorrow for the future we have all summer to think and to make plans, to make the project, everything.

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How difficult is your goalkeeper decision with Vicario not sharp yet and Kinsky in good form?

No, it's not difficult. It's easy.

You did say Vicario is your number one...

Yes, Vicario is number one but we have to consider the physical condition, the moment, everything, but I have a big relationship with Antonin Kinsky and Vicario as well and there will not be any problem.

James Maddison has got probably more minutes than he expected against Leeds, 20 minutes, how much can he play against Chelsea?

At the beginning of this week, he didn't work for a small problem. But yesterday and today, James is working very well. He's a special player, he's a different player. Now he's not ready to play 90 minutes. I want to speak with him tomorrow morning and to take the best decision we can.

You have had a group of injured players cheering the team on and we saw Cristian Romero running out and celebrating Tel’s goal…

Cristian Romero is a big player, you know he is a big player, but he is an amazing guy because he has been a great captain in my time even though he didn’t play. We are talking by phone and when he stay here, every morning he came in my office and he was inside of the season.

I was going to ask, he put a video on social media of him sprinting on the training pitches, is there any chance we see him before the end of the season?

I don’t know, but listen, we have to play another two games. Now for our injured players when are they available after a long time with injury? It is a big problem because the season is tough and only one target we have now. Play with Romero? Play with Vicario? Play with Kinsky? The target is just one and to stay up and make point tomorrow because this is the target for everyone. Individual targets now are not important.

Now you are one point and one win away from the goal, what made the difference for you guys?

It is not finished yet and it is not correct if I answer you now. Before answering your question we have to make a point in the Premier League and especially in the Premier League, to make one point you have to fight and play very well. We have to keep focused on the game and then we can answer and make a big press conference, two to three hours of a press conference but now is not the right time.

Let me ask what did you do to motivate the players?

Nothing special. They deserve to stay up and they deserve to play in Premier League. They are good players and maybe they have to believe more in themselves and to stop the negative thoughts. Just it.”

How important is it for you that Cristian Romero is here next season?

It is a good question but it is the wrong timing no? First of all now the focus is Chelsea. Second point, Romero is a great player and the most important is the behaviour and how much the player wants to stay in this club. We are going to take all the decisions after this season and after the Everton game.

Mathys Tel scored against Leeds but gave away a penalty. How has he reacted in the week since?

A great reaction. He is a mature guy. Maybe more outside of the pitch than on the pitch because he is not playing so many games in his career, but he has big potential. He is a lovely guy, he is a positive guy and he has strong character. I think the future he can play better and better and he can become a great player for us.

You know Tottenham’s record at Stamford Bridge, would it be a miracle to win there tomorrow?

No, but to win a game tomorrow we have to play a great game against a great, great team.