The Blues will face in-form Tottenham Hotspurs at Stamford on Sunday as the first London derby of the season. Thomas Tuchel is yet to lose a game against Antonio Conte’s side after beating them four times last season.
Tottenham and Chelsea had been tipped to be one of the two favorite clubs to win the Premier League aside from Manchester City and Liverpool this season. The two teams come into the game with a win from their previous Premier League. Chelsea earned a hard-fought win against Everton at the Goodison while Spurs defeated Southampton 3-1.
Thomas Tuchel would prefer the game to be played later in the course of the season but he still insists the timing of the game could create excitement among their fan base.
What did Thomas Tuchel say about the timing of the London Derby?
Speaking to reporters ahead of Sunday’s game, The Chelsea manager said: “I think coaches would prefer to play these games later but it’s very exciting at the same time because you feel the tension and the excitement. People will be excited to watch and follow, but in general, we would like to have a bit more time, but we don’t.
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“You don’t have time in football, so we need to be ready at the moment every week and very soon be ready twice a week to be competitive and live up to our own standards.
“They [Spurs] took advantage of the situation which is fair enough and which is what they do in this kind of league.
“We try to find solutions to win this game and to be on our highest level. It can also help to have a big match like this very early, it lifts you up and gives you a push that is sometimes also needed.”
Thomas Tuchel also admitted the fact that Tottenham Hotspurs had strengthened their squad in the summer.
Tottenham has been one of the busiest Premier League clubs in the transfer market. Spurs have signed Richarlison, Ivan Perišić, Yves Bissouma, Fraser Forster, Djed Spence and Clément Lenglet.
“They took advantage of their situation with a stable club, the ownership was clear and it’s clear that they reached Champions League and they took advantage to reinforce their squad very early, very direct and very straightforward.
“They had a calm pre-season, were on their system and the roles were clear, so it seems like they are a bit ahead of us from the start and out of the blocks, but it does not mean that you win the race just because you win the start.”
Meanwhile, Chelsea is set to be without Marcos Alonso and Mateo Kovacic for the Tottenham clash on Sunday.
Thomas Tuchel confirmed after Chelsea’s win over Everton that Marcos Alonso is finalizing his move to Barcelona. The situation remains the same as the Spanish international will not be in contention for the London derby.
Mateo Kovacic on the other hand will miss the game through injury. The date for his return is still unknown.
