As the battle for European spots in the Premier League reaches a thrilling climax, we caught up with Chelsea stars Jadon Sancho and Trevoh Chalobah to discuss the club’s objectives for the remainder of the season, among other topics.
Currently sitting in fifth place, Chelsea is heavily involved in the race for Champions League qualification, with every match proving vital. This weekend, they are set to face newly crowned champions Liverpool at Stamford Bridge, where another victory is essential for their aspirations.
The Champions League chase is intensifying, with five teams vying for two spots. You’re going up against Liverpool, fresh off their title win. What are your thoughts on this match and the race for Europe?
Chalobah: “Absolutely, it’s a tight competition. There are five teams in the mix for Champions League spots, and our match against Liverpool will be crucial, especially given their champions status.
“It’s going to be a significant game, and we’ll be fully prepared.”
How do you assess your season thus far? Do you consider it successful?
Sancho: “Well, the beginning of the season was quite promising. I believe we were a little unfortunate with some results, and dropping points is always disappointing. However, I feel like we’ve gained strong momentum now.
“Our home form has been solid, so we’re eager for this weekend’s match, and we hope to secure three points.”
Are there any goals you hope to achieve by the end of the season?
Sancho: “Definitely, our aim is to qualify for the Champions League. Playing for Chelsea means striving for the elite competitions…”
You’ve both been training under head coach Enzo Maresca for a while now. What is he like as a coach? How does he compare to others you’ve experienced?
Chalobah: “He’s incredibly detail-oriented. He constantly analyses the game and provides us with valuable information prior to training and matches to help us assess our opponents.
“The depth of detail he delves into prepares us for games, enabling us to find solutions on the pitch. He’s maintained this approach throughout the season, always encouraging us to learn.”
Looking beyond Chelsea, you’ve both played in various leagues across different countries. Jadon, you’ve had experience in Germany, while Trevoh, you had a brief spell in France. How do you see those leagues compared to the Premier League?
Sancho: “Firstly, I’d argue that the Premier League is more intense. The workload during matches is significant.
“In the Premier League, many teams often set up with a low block, while in Germany, even lower-ranked teams tend to take a more aggressive approach and don’t necessarily defend with five at the back.
“German teams maintain their style of play, particularly against top sides, because they aim to win. In contrast, many teams in the Premier League we face typically opt for five at the back, making it even tougher.”
Chalobah: “For my part, I would say France is also quite physical, similar to the Premier League. It’s fast-paced and transitional; if you concede possession, the opposition will quickly counter.
“Thus, in terms of physicality and speed, I’d say France is quite comparable to the Premier League.”
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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