Spurs win no big deal for Chelsea

MAURICIO Pochettino accepts Chelsea will not be worried about Tottenham even if his side seal a crunch victory at Liverpool today.

Spurs face Jurgen Klopp’s men at Anfield looking to reduce a nine-point gap behind Antonio Conte’s Premier League leaders, who travel to relegation strugglers Burnley tomorrow

With 14 games left, the Blues’ advantage seems almost insurmountable, particularly given they are unbeaten in the six games since losing to Tottenham at the start of the year.

Liverpool’s recent slump would appear to offer Spurs the perfect opportunity to register their first victory at Anfield since 2011.

But Pochettino insists even success will not set any nerves jangling in west London.

“Chelsea aren’t worried about that,” Pochettino said.

“It is true that Conte wants to keep the motivation high and keep them pushing and fighting, but I think they are worried about themselves.”

Pochettino added: “It is not about sending a message to Chelsea. We are competing with ourselves, like we were last season.

“We are our own enemies and if we win, we win. It is important to be focused on ourselves.

“It is true in the last four or five games when you need to reduce the gap you are not only thinking of winning games, you are looking to reduce the gap to your opponent.

“But today it is about you. You need to be able to keep that level about winning, winning, winning games, then hope afterwards that Chelsea drop points.”

Anything less than a win will see Chelsea extend their lead into double figures with a victory at Turf Moor 24 hours later. Pochettino, however, maintains nothing will be decided this weekend.

“It’s not decisive,” said the Argentinian. “There are lots of games ahead, but it will be important. If we win it will be important to keep good a position and put pressure on Chelsea, it’s true. It’s not decisive but it’s important.”

Victory will see Spurs move seven points clear of their out-of-sorts opponents, who have managed just one win in 10 matches.