What are you expecting tomorrow night?
“It’s a big game, an exciting game, a chance to go through to the last eight of the Champions League. It will be a special night at Stamford Bridge, so we’re really looking forward to that. All our thoughts are on being positive, winning the game, and going through. In terms of what we learned from the previous game [against Dortmund] they are a top opponent.
"You can see from their results in the Bundesliga, they are in a fantastic vein of form, winning games constantly. That tells you as a team they are doing a lot well. Attack and defend, good individuals, well coached. So it’s a big challenge for us but we’re excited for it.”
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How much has the win over Leeds boosted morale in the group?
“It’s always nice to win, that’s for sure. Everyone is happier when we do. But we also know we have a big challenge ahead. So as much as we’re pleased with the win at the weekend, we now want to follow it up with another win on Tuesday night. That is where the focus is.”
What would be the symbolic meaning of a win tomorrow night?
“The position we’re in, you should always welcome pressure because it means you’re in a fantastic situation which is to compete for the last eight of the Champions League. It’s a wonderful competition and it’ll be a special night. It was a special occasion in Dortmund and I’m sure it will be the same at Stamford Bridge tomorrow. We’re looking forward to the game and competing to go through because it’s a fantastic competition and we want to progress.”
We saw Reece James, N’Golo Kante and Christian Pulisic in training this morning, how are those three and are you able to throw N’Golo straight back in after six months out?
“Reece we’ll make a decision on tomorrow. Christian is in the squad, he’s trained and is looking good. It’s too soon for N’Golo; he’s only had two full training sessions. It’s too soon but he’s looking good. So we’re going to continue with that progress.”
After the setbacks and noise around you in the last few weeks, has it dawned on you that winning this game can change the story?
“To be honest, I’m not thinking about it in that way. I’m thinking about how important it is for the team and club. It’s a chance to get into the last eight of the Champions League but we’re playing against a top opponent in a really good vein of form. So it’s a huge challenge but at the same time, what an opportunity. Stamford Bridge will be rocking I’m sure and we will give it everything to win the game and go through.”
How do you approach bringing N’Golo back because it’s been such a long road for him?
“It’s a complex one with him because he has had a long time out. So he’s back in full training but then it’s how we get him up to speed to play in the Champions League or Premier League. That is when he needs bit of time with the group, bit of time in training, and we’ll need to build his minutes up. He won’t be able to go straight in for 90 minutes any time soon but the fact he is training and with us, the fact he is training, is exciting.”
What have you made of Joao Felix thus far and what do you see as his best position?
“We’re really happy with him – providing he isn’t tackling anyone on the halfway line! His quality is clear. He can receive the ball in tight spaces and makes things happen from an attacking perspective. He’s hit the bar twice, scored, and had some other chances. So he has that quality. The fact he can play in a few positions is good. We’ve tended to use him more centrally but he has the ability to play anywhere in the attacking phase of the game.
How much do you need the fans to be by your side tomorrow after the criticism in recent weeks?
“The fans are always entitled to air their views and they have been suffering like the rest of us have in terms of results. I thought the reception we had and the support we had at the weekend was fantastic. They got behind the team and they know the importance of the game tomorrow night. They want the team to go through. They know how important they are because in the Champions League away from home it is tough – and we want to make sure it is tough for Dortmund. We need our supporters for that.”
How’s the drive into work been in the last couple of days after the win against Leeds? Changed what music you’ve listened to?
“No music. There hasn’t been. I have just been preparing the game.”
You’ve highlighted how your home life suffers during difficult form, has the win helped?
“Like everybody connected to Chelsea your mood is a bit better when you win. You are a little bit happier but the good thing and bad thing about the job is that there is another game pretty quickly. It’s a massive game and one we need to be ready for. As much as you can celebrate the win against Leeds it’s pretty quickly onto Dortmund on Tuesday so it’s preparation for that. I’m not complaining about that of course. So that is what we have been doing, I can’t give you any songs, I am sorry.”
You’ll need to score twice to win the game tomorrow, how big a challenge is that?
“We have to play well, be positive. It’s a special occasion for us in front of our supporters, to try to get into the last eight of the Champions League. We’ve had some games where we could’ve scored more than one, that’s for sure, and we need that performance tomorrow night. It’s that simple. We’re playing against a top team in a good place so it’s not going to be easy. But the boys are in a good place. They are confident, motivated, together and we want to take the challenge on and give is our best.”
The tie could go to penalties tomorrow night. Have you been preparing for that and who is your designated penalty taker now that Jorginho isn’t at the club?
“The boys are always practising penalties and we’ve of course prepared for that eventuality because it’s a possibility. We want to get it done before that, but if not then ok, then we have to go through in that way. And it’s Kai [Havertz]. Kai’s been the designated penalty taker in the absence of Jorgi.”
In training this morning, everyone had a smile on their face. Has the win over Leeds helped with the atmosphere in the dressing room?
“Believe it or not, the mood has always been positive throughout. It’s not happy, joking and smiling, of course not, but there has been support for each other and a good spirit. You have to take responsibility to know we’re not in a good place results wise, but if you win a game, the smiles come back. You’re not quite singing on the way into training but everybody is happy and we’re looking forward to the game. It’s a great game to be involved in. We’re half-time and are 1-0 down. We need to respond and I think this group of players can do that."
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