The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Blues not focused on revenge, says Kante
N’golo Kante insists Chelsea are solely focused on a top-four Premier League finish and not revenge against Manchester United tonight.
United thrashed the Blues 4-0 on the season’s opening day at Old Trafford on August 11, Marcus Rashford firing a double and Anthony Martial and Daniel James also on target.
Chelsea might have endured the worst possible start to life under new boss and former midfielder Frank Lampard, but the west London men have since secured themselves a solid hold on fourth place.
The Blues host United in the league return this evening and could open up a nine-point gap on the Red Devils with victory – but France star Kante insists only Champions League qualification is on Chelsea’s minds.
“Man United were a bit behind but now they have closed the gap, so it’s a big opportunity either for us to keep them behind or for them to close the gap more; it’s an important game for both teams,” said Kante.
“We all know that Man United at home is a very difficult game, especially after what happened in the first game, but we don’t look at this.
“We just look forward because we want to keep the gap and so that’s why we need to win, not to get revenge.
“It’s important for us and the fans, so we need them to keep supporting us as they always do and we will try to give our best to make them proud.”
Odion Ighalo could be handed a United debut following his surprise deadline-day loan switch from Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua.
The Nigerian forward did not attend the winter training camp in Spain, with the club fearing travel restrictions following the outbreak of coronavirus may prevent him from returning to England.
The club’s other January addition, Bruno Fernandes, is set to make his second United appearance.