What did you make of the massive performance of Emma Hayes' side to get through to the Champions League semi-final?
It was amazing. Huge congratualtions to Emma and everyone involved. It just sums up the craziness of football, why you love it. Obviously for Chelsea we love it, for the opponent it's the opposite. Huge night for the girls, huge night for Emma so delighted.
Ever seen a 128th minute penalty?
Wow. No. Again, that's football and it seems to be the Champions League that throws up those type of moments as well. Delighted that it went their way and it was a very entertaining evening.
Team news?
Well, Thiago and Azpi are still away. Raheem is coming back. He will miss the game, think he's got more chance for Tuesday. He was close. Mason has trained and is available, probably not from the start but in the squad. Wesley is going to miss the game because his hamstring is still a little bit tight, there's a chance for Tuesday with him. Christian Pulisic is the only one, he had a heavy cold returning from international duty so he's one we've just got to check on.
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Kai Havertz and Reece James?
Kai was fever but he's recovered now and has trained the last couple of days. Reece as well, he's had the last two training sessions with us so providing there's no reaction, he should be available.
Was the international break good or bad time for you?
I wouldn't say it's good or bad. There's nothing you can do about it, you've just got to take what they are and use them as positively as we can. We've had a bit of time, N'Golo has had some time on the pitch and a bit more game time so that's been good for him. We had a handful of players, not even, in the first week so they were more working individually. The rest of us were reflecting and analysing how we can improve and looking forward to this game at the weekend.
Six games in 18 days, looking forward to it?
Of course. It's really exciting, it's going to be an exciting month. The focus of us is to stay present to think about the next game. It's a very tough game against Aston Villa. We're at home, we want to respond to the disappointment we had against Everton in terms of dropping points so we're looking forward to that.
Unai Emery described you as amazing, how would you describe him?
I paid him a lot of money in the transfer window. He's done a fantastic job, he's had a fantastic career. He's someone I've always looked up to. His career, especially in the Europa League has been outstanding but also at every club he's been at he's influenced the team and the players. I'm really looking forward to seeing him.
We met only once in that World Cup break and had a game there. Will be nice to see him again. He's a top coach.
The latest situation with Anthony Barry?
Anthony is in discussions at the moment. Clubs are in discussions around his situation. He's not with us at the moment, I think it's the best thing while that gets resolved. At the moment there's nothing to report, it's just between the two clubs.
How long do you expect it to continue?
I don't know. I've no idea, it's between the clubs, it's not something I'm involved in. I've a huge respect for Anthony and what he's done here. Fantastic coach, fantastic person. These things happen in life and football. We've got a really good staff here that can fill in and fill the gap if you like. There's not a direct replacement for anyone but the collective can solve the problem.
What do you need to see from your side for the rest of the season?
It sounds simple but improvement, always. We always want to improve. I think we've made some steps and we need to carry on with that. Attack better, defend better, create more chances, concede less chances. Sounds simple but that's what we need to.
Players returning from international duty- how are they feeling?
They're feeling good. They're professional, they're experienced. They can deal with the demands of international football and Premier League football. We've recovered well, they've recovered well. It's a testament to their professionalism and also the staff here and how they help them do that. Everyone is keen, everyone is looking forward to seeing each other and there's nice spirit in the team and a nice spirit in the group. We're all looking forward to the weekend and what's ahead.
Final 11 games of the season, is sixth place a minimum?
For us, we have to think or goal is on the next match and to win the game. We're Chelsea and we want to win. Regardless of the league position in 11 games time we have to focus on the next game and try to win. We want to try and beat Aston Villa, then we play Liverpool, we try to win that then we play Wolves and try to win that and the consequences of that are what they are. We just need to play to win.
Mason Mount back in the squad, what is his state of mind like? Understand if his mind is elsewhere?
I think it's been tough for him because he's had some niggling injury and speculation off the pitch. He's a professional and a top professional and he's a fantastic lad. How he's acted with me, with the team, how he's acted around us has been absolutely top. I think that's credit to him because sometimes in your career things are difficult, not quite optimal how you'd like them to be and you have to act well and conduct yourself in a good way and that's exactly what he's done.
Is N'Golo Kante ready to be involved from the start?
We have to manage that as the next stage for us because he's been out for so long. The minutes and building those minutes in the Premier League. He's been training well and he's had some behind closed doors time and he's available in the squad and I'm pretty sure he will be on the pitch at some point tomorrow.
Have you spoken to Anthony Barry and tried to persuade him to stay?
Of course I've spoken to Anthony. I'd like the conversation to be private. He's someone I respect a lot, he's given everything for Chelsea. He's been a fine member of staff, he's a great guy . I also understand human beings have lives, they have families, they have aspirations, it's about respecting that I think.
Potential of a semi-final against Bayern Munich, would the club prefer it's after that?
Again, it's club to club. It's not for me but that's something I'm pretty sure is in the conversation.
Financial results were announced earlier this week, have you had a conversation with the owners about whether that impacts summer business?
No, honestly not at the moment. That's a conversation we'll have in the future but I'll leave the financial position of the club to the club and I get on with my job, which is the head coach, and try to help the team.
You're not concerned about it?
I've heard nothing to be concerned about.
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