WE TOOK ON MESSI ..BLUES TOOK IT EASY
Chelsea are reaping rewards of coasting in Europa while Spurs slog it out in Champions League says Pochettino
SPURS boss Mauricio Pochettino says Chelsea have it easier than his men this term because the Blues are not living in the pressure-cooker atmosphere of the Champions League.
Maurizio Sarri’s side have bounced back from finishing outside of the top four last season by remaining undefeated in their first 12 Premier League games.
And in total they are unbeaten in 18 under Antonio Conte’s successor.
Pochettino, however, is not surprised. He said: “In the last 10 years I think Chelsea have been so impressive with Mourinho and Conte. They won titles.
“Of course they have an unbelievable squad. They are doing very well with Sarri this season, still unbeaten. But this season they are competing in the Europa League and it’s completely different to Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool or us as we’re competing in the Champions League.
“It’s a completely different competition.”
Chelsea, though, have used their time in European football’s second-tier competition to recalibrate.
Under their former Napoli manager they are six points clear at the top of their Europa League group.
And Pochettino added: “I am not surprised as Chelsea have an unbelievable squad and players.
“This summer they invested in quality players and added to the squad. But it’s normal, they have one point more than us. It’s not surprising me that they’re doing very well.
“I didn’t see too much of Napoli. I don’t follow the Italian competition too much. But of course Sarri was doing a fantastic job in Napoli and now he’s doing a fantastic job at Chelsea. He’s a manager that I like a lot.”
Pochettino also revealed that Tottenham’s new stadium may now be open in February – effectively meaning a delay of another month. They had hoped to play the first game there against Manchester United on January 13.
But Pochettino, who had a tour of the facilities on Wednesday, suggested even that date might be too soon. He said: “We need to wish and hope that in January or February we can move there and it will be a fantastic moment for everyone, the fans, players, it will be a massive boost.
“We need to have patience. We were there, checking the facilities, the changing rooms and everything.
We cannot wait to move there.”