Manchester City have fallen 9 points behind in the Premier League title race and in order to keep their hopes up, they must find back the winning key which allowed them to win 14 matches in-a-row to seal the title last season.
Frank Lampard’s Chelsea side, on the other hand, are high on confidence. They visit Etihad Stadium on the back of seven away wins in a row in all competitions.
A win for the Blues could send them second in the table should Leicester fail to beat Brighton.
Ahead of the game, Lampard faced the press.
In touch with Mourinho? “We had a couple of messages to congratulate him on his new role.”
On Mourinho: “I think history and results speak for themselves. He has done that consistently. It’s what we measure him and us as managers. It keeps him off Sky Sports for a while! He has got a good team. They were a lot of people’s favourites to be in the race. Pochettino did a great job. They have the structure there and will be a threat. They are in the top four race. When you look at the quality. The strength that they have, Kane and players like that.”
Surprised to see him at Spurs: “That is only his decision and you make that as you go. Whether fans judge you or not is out of your hands. We have a tribal instinct.”
Would you take the Spurs job in the future?”I can firmly say no. We have to respect his right to work. I played here for 13 years, I am very proud to manage this club. I have friends who are Tottenham fans, it is not on my list.”
Being third and above City: ”The levels they have reached have been incredible. For us to be in that position, I am pleased with. But I want more. It’s not the end story, they are a strong outfit. I won’t make huge judgements on tomorrow, our story is three months in the making.”
Pulisic and injuries: “He didn’t go, he was struggling against Palace. He has been training and is in contention. Callum has a hamstring problem, he is struggling to make this game. Nothing more on Ruben.”
City: “I see them with the same strength. They have had their issues with injury problems.”
International break: “I gave quite a big break to staff and those players not with their countries. Hopefully a nice recharge. Sometimes we can go by with no days off.”
Tomorrow a judge of where you are?”Yes, in a way. We went pound for pound with Liverpool, the so called tougher games we have performed well without the results.”
Return to City?”To manage them is a proud honour. I had a great year at City, I go there with nothing but good feelings. But I am Chelsea manager and I want to win.”
Tammy and Mount scoring for England: “Brilliant for them. That is a continuation of their form. It boosts your confidence and Mason feels at home at that level.”
Pochettino:”I have huge respect for him. I have met him a couple of times, the time he gave me was pretty special. He did incredible things with that team. I wish him well. He is a classy man.”
Jorginho and Kante: “I want it to be a positive issue. We have Kovacic as well, it is great for me. It is something we have done pretty well. We have had fluidity in our midfield. I think we can use them all collectively. You have to give Jorginho the freedom to leave his position. He has a perception for the press.”
Mourinho taking the tension out of this game?”I don’t mind. It has been good viewing for us all. To have people and character like Mourinho is a good thing. I watched it with one eye, but more focused on tomorrow.”
A long future?”You can only look at the near future. You are always a performance away from a good or bad patch. I don’t look further ahead.”
Source-
Fooball.london
