Maresca relishing ‘huge’ Spurs clash in race for top four

Enzo Maresca did not play the size of the upcoming Premier League collision of Chelsea with Tottenham Hotspur down on Thursday and labeled it a “huge” game.

Chelsea is in the top four on the way to the game at Stamford Bridge, but can be out of the Champions League places by the time the kick-off.

The blues are one point for Manchester City, which is facing Leicester City on Wednesday, with Newcastle United and Brighton also at a striking distance.

Chelsea has only lost one of their last 12 Premier League matches against Spurs (W9 D2) and won the last three in a row with a total score of 10-4.

The side of Ange Postecoglou is 14th in the rankings, although Maresca said that their position in the table did not mean that the London Derby went into.

“It's a huge game. We know how important it is for fans and the club. It is also important for us to try to complete where we are now,” said Maresca.

“Tottenham has many good players, but regardless of who plays, it will be a derby, and it is the Premier League and you can struggle against any team.

“We want to be immediately and fast when they press higher. We can't be immediately and fast when they lean back.

“In our last three home games, they all went to games with every player behind the ball. If you have players they like, it is easier.

“If we win, you can build Momentum for the end. These are all important games. We have to win as many games as we can, and we will see where we are ready.”

Maresca was also present to discuss the future of Jadon Sancho, who is currently on loan at Chelsea of ​​fellow Premier League side, Manchester United.

The move from Sancho to Stamford Bridge included an obligation for the blues to buy it at the end of the season when they end up 14th or higher in the table.

The reported reimbursement is expected to be between £ 20-25 million, although the 25-year-old this season did not impress Chelsea.

He has only registered seven target involvement (two goals, five assists) in 23 performances in the Premier League this campaign.

The last contribution from Sancho came with an assist for Cole Palmer in the 1-1 draw of Chelsea with Crystal Palace in January, with Maresca wanted more from the attacker.

“You probably have more news than I do in terms of Jadon. For me his situation does not change, it is exactly the same,” Maresca added.

“Certainly, he can undoubtedly do better in terms of numbers, but it's not just about Jadon. We have more players in the same situation.

“I don't have to give Jadon a message, I speak to him every day. I had a conversation with him yesterday.

“He has to keep giving his best until the end. That's what we want from Jadon.”

Maresca also revealed that the attacking of Trio Palmer, Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson would all be available for Spurs.

“Cole is back, he's fine. Noni is better. Nico is better. They are all good,” he said.

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