Chelsea vs Tottenham: Top 5 things Maurizio Sarri said in the pre-match press conference

Chelsea Football Club, who are currently placed sixth in the Premier League, host London rivals Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge tonight, in a midweek fixture. The teams have a wide gap of 10 points between them, with Tottenham sitting on the third position having grabbed 60 points from the 27 matches they have played so far.

After the Kepa incident which took place in the dying moments of the Carabao Cup final between Chelsea and Manchester City, the headlines just spoke about the fallout of the players and the manager Maurizio Sarri. Chelsea lost to Manchester City 4-3 on penalties, as the blue half of Manchester rejoiced, lifting the Carabao Cup trophy.

Putting behind all the rumours of walking away from the club, Sarri had a positive pre-match press conference yesterday. Let's find out the top 5 things the Chelsea Head Coach spoke about as his team faces a stern Spurs test in the London Derby.

#1 On Sunday's performance against Manchester City

Chelsea v Manchester City - Carabao Cup Final

Maurizio Sarri's press conference opened with media representatives stressing the manager's views on the Kepa incident which happened on Sunday, but the Italian manager was focused on praising Chelsea's performance against Manchester City.

He added that offensively, Manchester City were the best team in Europe in the current scenario, and Chelsea not only held a clean sheet against them in the final on Sunday, but also dominated the game for the second half and additional extra time of 30 minutes.

Sarri seemed happy with how the players implemented his plans in the match, after having been left disappointed in the recent few weeks due to the team's performances. He had publicly criticized the Chelsea players for lack of motivation in the recent few press conferences.

#2 On Kepa being up for selection in the team to face Spurs

After Sunday's debacle, Kepa Arrizabalaga has not only lost his place in the supporters' hearts but may have also lost his place in the starting XI. But the London club would be smart enough not to let the Spanish keeper's services go to waste, as they have spent a reported €75 million on him, and this was what Maurizio Sarri had to say.

Sarri, on having been asked, whether Kepa would start against Spurs on Wednesday night, the Italian replied, "Maybe yes, Maybe not. It's 50-50."

He was also asked about Kepa's fitness to which he replied that the Spanish keeper was fit, as he underwent a recovery training on Monday, but he could only take a decision on him starting against Spurs on the matchday.

The Italian manager also said that Kepa has apologized to the technical staff, the players and the club, for his misconduct.

#3 On other Chelsea players failing Maurizio Sarri by not reacting during the Kepa incident

Maurizio Sarri was then asked whether he felt betrayed by the actions of the other Chelsea players on the pitch, to not ask Kepa to come off as his number was displayed on the electronic sign board.

He was also asked whether he saw a shift in the philosophy of players at Chelsea Football Club, because in the past, players like John Terry and Frank Lampard always took stands for the team and the coach.

Maurizio Sarri had a very professional reply to this question, as he backed his players by saying that the situation was very unusual, and especially in the final of the Carabao Cup, so the players were confused how to react to the situation.

#4 On Chelsea's fortunes tumbling since their defeat to Spurs

Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur - Carabao Cup: Semi-Final Second Leg

Maurizio Sarri said that post the 3-1 defeat to Tottenham at the Wembley in November, the Chelsea team's enthusiasm levels dropped, and that the players were mentally tired. He also said that as the team was unbeaten before that very game, the players' group was more open to work on their mistakes which was not the case after the defeat to their local rivals.

Sarri then went on to comment that Chelsea's defense has been improving over the last few matches, and that, he thinks, is the foundation on which the upcoming success of the team is very much dependent.

Chelsea have conceded 29 goals in the 26 games they have played so far in the Premier League which is not upto the mark when the club's defensive history is considered.

#5 On Kepa being mentally fit to start the game for Chelsea

When asked about whether Kepa is mentally ready to start for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge tonight, Sarri replied that, if he were to choose the Spaniard to guard the goal tonight, the keeper has no choice, but be ready for it.

Sarri also stated that if he were to drop Kepa for the match tonight, it would not be a punishment of any sort for the goal keeper, but it would just be what is 'best for the group'.

Whatever decision Sarri takes regarding Kepa's involvement in the match tonight, it is sure that the keeper from Athletic Bilbao will be booed by his own fans at Stamford Bridge, for his misconduct on Sunday.

Chelsea take on Tottenham Hotspur at 1:30 am IST (Thursday) in the Premier League. Chelsea have played a match less than the other top 6 clubs, and are 2 and 3 points behind Manchester United and Arsenal respectively.

Edited by Sudeshna Banerjee