Kante Brings A Lot Of Balance To Chelsea – Courtois

Thibaut Courtois has said Chelsea must focus on nothing other than a victory against Manchester United on Sunday but warned they need to “defend first” if they are to succeed in getting their season back on track.

“This is a must-win game,” he said. “Manchester City are already nine points ahead of us, Manchester United four and Tottenham one.

“We must win games like these to remain at the top and close to the other [contenders]. We will try to get the three points and will give our lives for it on Sunday.”

“I think we have to start again, maybe have the balance like last season, try to defend first and then look to score goals,” Courtois added.

“This season we are conceding more chances than we did last year. We have to try to get that extra step in, that extra percent to stop actions, not be 90 percent. Maybe with a lot of games, sometimes you maybe go a bit less.

“Obviously it is different to last season. Injuries have been coming and not at a good time. We know how important N’Golo is for us, he is the guy that brings a lot of balance into the team. But we can’t push him to play if he doesn’t feel ready.

“Danny [Drinkwater] was also out for a long time as well. It means Tiemoue Bakayoko and Cesc Fabregas have played a lot of games in midfield and obviously that goes into their legs and it is harder for them to keep up the pressure, especially against the midfield three like Roma had.”