Enzo Maresca hints at his desire to get a double over Tottenham Hotspurs
Enzo Maresca did not play down the magnitude of Chelsea’s upcoming Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday, labelling it a “huge” game.
Chelsea find themselves in the top four heading into the match at Stamford Bridge, but could be out of the Champions League places by the time kick-off comes around.
The Blues are a point ahead of Manchester City, who face Leicester City on Wednesday, with Newcastle United and Brighton also within striking distance.
Chelsea have lost just one of their last 12 Premier League games against Spurs (W9 D2), winning the last three in a row by an aggregate score of 10-4.
Ange Postecoglou’s side are 14th in the standings, though Maresca said their position in the table meant nothing heading into the London derby.
“It’s a huge game. We know how important it is for the fans and the club. It is also important for us to try and finish where we are now,” Maresca said.
“Tottenham have a lot of good players, but no matter who is playing, it’s going to be a derby, and it’s the Premier League and you can struggle against any team.
“We want to be direct and quick when they press higher. We cannot be direct and quick if they sit back.
“In our last three home games, they have all been games with every player behind the ball. When you have players who love to run behind, it is easier.
“If we win, you can build momentum for the end. They are all important games. We need to win as many games as we can, and we will see where we finish.”
Maresca was also on hand to discuss the future of Jadon Sancho, who is currently on loan at Chelsea from fellow Premier League side, Manchester United.
Sancho’s move to Stamford Bridge included an obligation for the Blues to buy him at the end of the season if they finish 14th or higher in the table.
The reported fee is expected to be between £20-25million, though the 25-year-old has failed to impress for Chelsea this season.
He has registered just seven goal involvements (two goals, five assists) in 23 appearances in the Premier League this campaign.
Sancho’s last contribution came with an assist for Cole Palmer in Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace in January, with Maresca left wanting more from the attacker.
“You probably have more news than me in terms of Jadon. For me, his situation does not change, it is exactly the same,” Maresca added.
“For sure, he can do better in terms of numbers, no doubt, but it is not only about Jadon. We have more players in the same situation.
“I do not need to give Jadon a message, I speak with him every day. I had a conversation with him yesterday.
“He needs to continue to give his best until the end. That is what we want from Jadon.”
Maresca also revealed that attacking trio Palmer, Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson would all be available to face Spurs.
“Cole is back, he is okay. Noni is better. Nico is better. They are all good,” he said.
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