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

#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.