Pochettino expects tough Stoke test

Speaking in today’s press conference Mauricio Pochettino said he believes Stoke will be tougher opponents than Chelsea when his side travel to the bet365 Stadium on Saturday

We ended our 28-year wait for a win at Stamford Bridge in convincing style after coming from behind to beat the Blues 3-1 on Sunday, and in the process moved a giant step closer to securing a top four spot.

Saturdays opponents Stoke are three points adrift of safety at the opposite end of table but Pochettino expects the Potters provide a stern test as they continue their battle against relegation.

When asked how important the win over Chelsea was, Pochettino said: “It was a massive three points but in the end if you don’t keep pushing it is difficult.

“Sometimes after a victory you can sometimes stop to think that, ‘If we beat Chelsea why not against Stoke’, sometimes you believe you can drop a little bit in your focus.
“For me, it is the opposite. Our focus must be 200 per cent. For me it will be a tougher game than it was at Stamford Bridge.”

Stoke have shown slight signs of improvement since the arrival of Paul Lambert and Pochettino believes the Potters are a more resilient side since the Scot’s arrival.

“When the new manager arrives, it is a massive impact for the players, for the club and for the fans,” said Pochettino.When you start to the see the end of the season, you start to push more. In the last few games they have shown more consistency in their performances.
“Against Arsenal last week – in the end Arsenal won but it was a very tough game. Stoke played well in the first half.

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