Roberto De Zerbi has revealed what kind of game he expects when Tottenham travel to Stamford Bridge this evening, with their Premier League status still on the line.
10 years ago, Tottenham travelled to Chelsea needing a win to keep their title hopes alive, and what transpired in the game is now part of footballing folklore.
There was no love lost between the two sides, who had several clashes through the derby, which saw 12 yellow cards in total.
Many remain baffled that no one sent off as Chelsea fought back from 2-0 down to level 2-2, thus putting the final nail in the coffin of the Lilywhites’ title hopes.
Roberto De Zerbi wants Tottenham players to be ‘calm with blood’
There are huge parallels between the clash a decade ago and the one this evening. Only this time, Tottenham head to West London looking to avoid relegation rather than going for the title.
Chelsea have nothing to play for this season, but their players will see this as a big opportunity to give their fans a consolation after a difficult season.
De Zerbi wants his players to play with passion and spirit, but he emphasised a need for calm, which the Lilywhites arguably did not show in West London 10 years ago.
When asked whether he expects a similar battle this evening and how he wants his players to approach their big clash, the 46-year-old told Football.London: “Always calm with blood. With blood, with personality, with the right spirit, but calm and focus just on the game.
“Because also the chance to score for Leeds [late on], when Kinsky saved. No, we went too strong, too fast, too strong on the ball and sometimes we have to be more calm.”
De Zerbi faces a big selection decision for Chelsea clash
De Zerbi has confirmed that Guglielmo Vicario is available for selection against Chelsea after missing the last five games due to injury.
The Italian manager faces a huge decision on whether to bring the 29-year-old straight into the starting eleven at such a critical juncture of the season.
Last week, the Tottenham boss declared that Vicario remains in the number one. However, Antonin Kinsky has made some crucial contributions over recent weeks, and it would certainly be a brave call to drop the 23-year-old.
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