Why wasn't N'Golo Kante in training this morning, and why hasn't Hakim Ziyech travelled?
"Hakim is ill, and N'Golo we're just waiting on. He had a reaction in training. So we're just waiting for the news of that. Hakim's got a sore throat, so that's why he didn't travel."
Is there a reason to worry about N'Golo?
"Well, it's not ideal, and it is disappointing for him and us. So we have to wait and see the extent of it and go from there."
READ MORE: Chelsea suffer N'Golo Kante setback as Graham Potter explains Hakim Ziyech absence ahead of AC Milan
What was your reaction to the sad news that your former Brighton player, Enock Mwepu, has had to retire due to a hereditary heart condition?
"Really terrible, but thankfully, it isn't as terrible as it maybe could've been because I think he has been as lucky as he can be in the sense that he is alive and well. That is something we're really thankful for. But at 24 years old, to now be able to play football puts everything in perspective. I tried calling him today – I sent him a message – he is a fantastic person, and whatever he does, he will succeed in his life. But it's a shame we won't see him on the pitch."
Can you speak about the challenges you've faced getting your ideas across to the players because you've not had too much time on the training pitch because of the schedule?
"We've had the international break as well, so it's been one of those periods that you have to deal with as best you can. Yes, there hasn't been so much time on the training pitch, but you can still work in other ways. It's about trying to understand the players and getting to know them better, building relationships, preparing the games, analysing the games, and then trying to move forward."
What are those ways?
"We've had to use meetings, video, we've had to communicate, speak, explain, talk. We just want to try to understand where the players have been and how we can help them. As I've said before, they are really honest and responsible, I've found them really receptive, so it's a pleasure to work with them."
Would winning here, at San Siro with all its history, be another statement win for you and the team?
"Well, that's our challenge. That's what we have to try to do. You're right, it is an incredible place here, and it will be a completely different game. AC Milan will try to use the home advantage as we did last week. It is two good teams, two evenly-matched teams. So it will be a fantastic game, and I'm looking forward to it."
How strong was Thiago Silva to play with a cold, how impressive was that? And how impressed have you been with Thiago?
"He was ok when we played AC Milan, but he just got a little bit worse as the week went on. In the end, because there were only two days between the games, it makes sense to play him again. But he's recovered well. He's been incredibly impressive on and off the pitch.' He is a leader. He's a top professional and a top person. He's been again a joy to work with."
At the weekend, there was a long list of players struggling with knocks. So I just wanted to know who is available?
"In terms of the team news, everyone is available. The fact we could rotate a few has probably helped us in terms of availability for this game and, hopefully, a bit of freshness. We're going to need that because it's going to be a physically demanding game."
How much confidence has three wins in a row given you?
"As I used to say at Brighton, wins are the best way to convince people that your ideas can work, and it is only a short time. So I'm not getting carried away. Wins help, but it's about getting to know the players and the process. But we all know – and you guys will remind me – that we need to win as well. So it was a good week, but it was only a week."
How long do you think he can play for at this level, and would you like him to stay beyond this season?
"I think the decision is Thiago's. I've been here three or four weeks. I see his qualities. He's an incredible person, incredible player. The level he can play at, the performance level he can reach, and the respect he has through the game is just incredible. All I can do is try and help him enjoy his football here, be part of a winning team and all of the rest is something for him and the club to think about."
Will you go with the same formation you used in London last week?
"I won't tell you about how we're going to line up! You can wait for that. But we're happy with the options that we have that's for sure. We're expecting a really tough game, AC Milan have a lot of good players and a strong team."
Rafael Leao, now you've seen him live, what do you think now?
"The player you mentioned is part of that team. You can see his quality and what he brings. He's part of a strong team, a strong club and a strong set-up, and we respect that."
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