Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham are back in contention to qualify for the Champions League and he has former side Chelsea in his sights.
Spurs were 12 points behind their London rivals when he took the job 10 days ago, but back-to-back Premier League wins and successive losses for Chelsea has reduced the gap to six.
The Blues visit White Hart Lane on December 22 and Mourinho wants his side to still be within touching distance of Frank Lampard and co.
“We play Chelsea at the end of December, if the game was tomorrow, we would play them with six points difference, it would be a fantastic situation to play them,” Mourinho said after Tottenham beat Bournemouth 3-2 on Saturday.
“But we play them in the end of December. We have to keep close, as close as possible. But we have a lot to work and a lot to improve.”
Before that there is Manchester United away, Burnley at home and Wolves away, while Chelsea host Aston Villa and Bournemouth, with a trip to Everton in between.
Mourinho replaced Mauricio Pochettino with the club in 14th place and the win against The Cherries, ahead of Sunday’s games, leaves them fifth.
“When I arrived we were 12 points behind the last Champions League position and I didn’t want to think about it, I just wanted to play matches,” the manager added.
“I think we were eight or nine from a Europa League position and I said if we thought about it too much we would be depressed because we want to play European football next season.
“So, don’t get depressed, play game after game and see what is going to happen.
“Now the distance is smaller, we won two matches, we are going into a period with lots of matches, the Christmas period is match, match, match, match.
“So you have the chance of both. You have the chance to break down, we have the chance to put pressure on the opponent.”
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