A goal from Mason Mount helped Chelsea claim a 1-0 win against Liverpool this evening to move back into the Premier League top four
Does Andreas Christensen’s form give you a decision to make when Thiago Silva is fit?
“Andreas stepped in in the middle of the first half against Tottenham, which was a really tough thing to do, and from the first minute, he’s been absolutely impressive.
“He’s brave, strong in individual challenges, brave and intelligent in the build-up, and plays with a lot of confidence. I am absolutely happy with his performances and how he’s stepped up. He’s been a big part of our performances.”
Ten games unbeaten now, but was this your biggest result yet?
“I’m super happy. If I’m honest I still have regrets about the draw against Southampton because I am not happy we dropped two points and the way we dropped them. But in general, I’m absolutely happy.
“From the first day, I’ve felt part of the club and involved in the team. It’s been a pleasure to coach the team from the first minute because I can feel the energy and attitude to all the things that are needed in a football game.
“They ready to play as a team, to attack as a team, they are prepared to fight and sacrifice for each other. I have a brave squad and they show up every four games in difficult games. I’m not the type to thing ‘biggest win’ or ‘toughest match’.
“I have never judged games in my coaching career because I am happy for every win that we get because I know how hard it is in any league to keep on winning and keep on keeping clean sheets.
“So I am very happy because I know what it takes and what the team has put into this moment. We’re on a high, high level and for that I’m very happy.”
Now you’re in the top four, is that something to protect?
“We don’t think this way. We were already in the top four after the win against Newcastle. We cannot lose focus by looking at the fixtures all the time because it does not help. The only thing that helps, even though it may be boring, is to prepare for the matches at the highest level because this league does not allow you to drop 1 percent.
“If you want to have results, if you want to keep going then we have to focus towards Everton and nothing else. It is like that. There are still 11 games to go, there are a lot of games to go and nothing is decided.
“We are in the race and we closed the gap very very quickly which took a big effort. Now we are in the middle of the race and we need to keep on going.
“This league, the competition in the Champions League and the FA Cup is what drives us. It gives us no time to lay back and become too relaxed. I have a hungry group. I myself am hungry and we are not finished.”
Timo Werner, are you trying something special to get him scoring again?
“Nothing special. I demand 100 percent in every training. I don’t allow self-pity. No need for self-pity, he’s a privileged guy, he is full of talent and he plays football for one of the best clubs in the world and in the best league in the world.
“So there is no need for self-pity and to worry too much. The only responsibility we have together is to bring out the best in him.
“The only way I know is on the training pitch and in the games: put in effort. Put yourself in a state of mind that you are ready to play for us on the highest level. Is he doing this? Yes, he is. Then he will be rewarded I am very sure.
“Today I am absolutely happy with his performance. It was another step and we are not counting the minutes. I know that in the end the strikers count their minutes and their goals, which drives them.
“This is very important, but for me and my approach, it is not a subject. We push him. We do this with a smile and we try to give him confidence and from there on it is his job to be a big part of this group which he is in this moment.”
