Spurs manager comments on Kane rumors, fatigue ahead of Chelsea match

Big game coming up this weekend, if you haven't heard.  Probably Chelsea's toughest assignment for the next month.  Definitely Chelsea's toughest assignment for the next month.  Last time there, in case you don't remember or you have repressed it, we lost 5-3, and it was far from pretty.  We'll need all the help we can get, despite our improving form.

A minor factor that might be working in our favor is the small chance that Spurs, and Harry Kane especially, are perhaps distracted by the recent transfer rumors that have linked the striker to Chelsea.  Now, that didn't work at all on Thursday, as Kane scored Spurs' winner in the Europa League, but maybe this time the straw will prove more clutch-able.  Kane's manager, Mauricio Pochettino certainly doesn't think that'll be the case, but of course that's what he would think.

"I am happy that a big club want our players - this is because they show they are a top player with top performances. It is good when they are linked."

"But Harry, like Hugo Lloris, wants to stay here. He is one of the best players and he is very happy. He wants to grow up with us and try the next few years to try for the top four and win titles with Tottenham. This is his challenge."

Then again, I doubt anyone thinks Kane to Chelsea is a serious rumor, though in a strange way, Pochettino's comments, just the fact that he's commented on it, do lend it a bit more legitimacy.

Still, if a minor factor is going to contribute to a Chelsea win on Sunday, it won't be the Kane rumors.  It will be the 5000-mile round-trip that Spurs just completed thanks to their away match in Azerbaijan.  Pochettino's a bit more wary of this, especially after fielding a strong lineup.

"We are through to the next round and this was our objective. The objective is gone now. We will make sure we will arrive in a good condition to play Chelsea. We have a strong squad and a strong mentality, with the maturity."

"It is true we arrive maybe not in the best condition to compete in the right way but respect to our medical staff for what they do, they will work during the flight and tomorrow we have a day off. On Saturday, we will assess."

-Mauricio Pochettino; source: Chelsea FC

We'll need all the help we can get, despite our improving form.  Facing Spurs at this specific junction time, is helpful.  It won't win us the game, obviously, but it will help.  Probably.  Maybe.