Pochettino talks up Mourinho relationship

The North Londoners have been considered as genuine contenders for a top-four finish with their form this season. From a manager who operates under forensic examination, this was an attempt to put some of that pressure back on to Tottenham.

“They did not do much to win the game”. He said: “I laugh and I smile”.

“The team is very good”, the Chelsea boss said. They have good stability and are playing well.

The visitors started the season in the worst way possible but after a win last week, they will be hoping that they can return to winning ways. “As a No10?” Mourinho said. “He is not a close friend but I have a very good relationship with him”. He is one of the best players and he is very happy.

Mourinho certainly does not talk about every other manager this way. “[January signings] depend on the club, the club’s needs, it depends on many factors”. They keep the players they want to keep. But it looks like they plan to do something about eliminating these Thursday games, by making a run at the top four.

Manchester United were prepared to spend up to £50 million to sign Kane in the summer transfer window but Tottenham rejected their advances – and they will adopt a similar stance to any future approaches. They also have extra days to prepare for our match. Also if you want to take a risk, Harry Kane to score is also going to be a good bet simply since he has been scoring so easily as of late. If not, it’s something very natural. Sneaking out a 1-0 win against Norwich City, like the Blues did last weekend, now qualifies as a big result. Since then Chelsea have lost seven times.

It is hard to dispute Spurs’ status as favourites. I’m really happy with the performance. On their last visit to the White Hart Lane on New Year’s day, the Blues were thrashed by Tottenham 5-3. We have a big squad and everyone is ready to go again and again. We played with two number eights.

Cesc Fabregas is fit despite a minor toe injury but Ramires is a doubt after suffering a muscle injury prior to the Champions League game in midweek.

Chelsea have only won one of their last four league games, but Jose Mourinho’s side did win the last meeting 2-0 between the pair in the League Cup in March. Mourinho went out of his way that day to praise Pochettino.

“It doesn’t disappoint me”.

Starting up top for Diego Costa, Pedro made a razor-thin run through the Spurs back line, but the through ball’s timing was off.