26 November,2016 08:55 AM IST | | Agencies
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino says bad record at Chelsea is added boost ahead of today's match, but warned that Blues are the best in Europe
Mauricio Pochettino
London: Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino believes today's trip to in-form Premier League leaders Chelsea represents an ideal opportunity for his side to reinvigorate their season. Tottenham have won just one of their last nine fixtures in all competitions and go into the game on the back of a Champions League exit at Monaco's hands in mid-week.
Blues on a great run
Chelsea have stormed to the league summit after six straight wins and have not lost at home to Spurs in 26 years - a run of 29 games - but Pochettino is challenging his players to rise to the occasion.
"It's a good challenge for us," the Argentine told reporters during Thursday's pre-game press conference. "They (Chelsea) are in very good form. They have a great manager that I know very well and they have great players too. "It's an advantage, not being involved in European competition or the cups now. They have time to train and develop their philosophy. They are - not only in England, but in Europe - the team most in form today."
The focal point of today's clash will be Spurs forward Harry Kane's return to fitness and goalscoring form. Pics/Getty Images
Given Spurs' record at Stamford Bridge, where they last won in February 1990, they have learnt not to relish trips to west London and their last visit, on May 2, proved even more painful than usual. Seeking a win that would have kept their Premier League title bid alive, Spurs went 2-0 up, only for Chelsea to hit back and force a 2-2 draw that sent the league crown to Leicester City.
'Next Messi will play here'
Pochettino doubts the Premier League will be able to lure Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo away from Spain before the end of their careers but believes the game's next global superstars will end up in England. While Manchester City have been linked with a move for Messi, Pochettino cannot see that fact changing, but does believe the Premier League's spending power means the next elite players will head here.
26
No. of years since Tottenham won at Stamford Bridge in the domestic league
