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Chelsea vs Tottenham: Tuchel lays out defensive plans for London derby

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The city rivals have both won their opening games of the new season.

Thomas Tuchel has revealed Chelsea will try to control Tottenham’s counter-attacks in their upcoming derby.

Following a narrow win over Everton last weekend, Chelsea must lock horns with Antonio Conte’s in-form attacking line.

The Spurs come into the game after beating Southampton 4-1 in their Premier League opener. However, Tuchel says his side have enough experience to ‘close down’ their opponents’ counter-attacking spaces.

Speaking in a pre-match press conference, the Blues boss said: “They have a pattern in their offensive pressiing and how they defend. 

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“It’s important we are good on the ball, the dominant team, and hopefully put the game into the opponents’ half. We then have to control the counter attack.

“They are maybe one of the best teams in the world on counter attack. We did a fantastic job last season of closing it down.”

Asked whether the risen temperature in London will influence his picks for the lineup, Tuchel responded: “It is demanding. It is more demanding. 

“The data in different conditions has a different output. Maybe it is a matter of how you want it and accept it, because at times it will be difficult and draining. 

“It’s a question of who has the will and ability to play through the pain. I’m not there yet if it influences my starting XI.”

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