In one of the games of the Premier League season so far, Tottenham Hotspur stunned Chelsea as the romped to a 5-3 win at White Hart Lane. The two clubs meet again on Sunday in the League Cup final, as Chelsea look to add a first trophy for the season, while Spurs hope to end a long trophy drought.
Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois believes he can stop Spurs striker Harry Kane who scored two goals past the Belgian in that humiliating 5-3 defeat.
Courtois, though, is determined that it doesna t not materialize. He, in fact, believes he has worked out a strategy just for that.
a Yeah, I know it, but I dona t have to say it now,a he told The Telegraph when asked if he knew Kanea s technique. a You try and analyse what teams and strikers are like more and more by watching videos.
a But football is football and every game is different. Every time they come in front of you it can be different.a
The Belgian goalkeeper, who is rated as one of the best in the world, returned to the Premier League this season after many seasons on loan to Atletico Madrid. Courtois was the rock on which Atleti build their La Liga winning campaign last season.
a I came back to Chelsea to play,a he added. a Of course, ita s always the managera s decision. But if you come back from loan, obviously you want to try to play as much as possible. Otherwise ita s better to keep being on loan.
a So, of course, I wanted to play. I think Petr and I have both done well for the team, the times wea ve played. We have helped the team every time we could.
a In the beginning you need to adapt a little bit to the style of football. If you play three years in Spain, of course it feels a little different. But, together with the team, wea ve started really well, kept on playing well and I think we are doing great. I try my best every single game.a
Having featured in just two games in the League Cup so far, Courtois may not feature in Sundaya s final, depending on how Mourinho decides to approach the game.
a We are just preparing together, with Jamal Blackman also, to play that game, working hard to be our best,a he said. a We find out for sure on the actual day of the game.
a Ia m never nervous [about the decision]. If you play, you have to do your best. You have to be prepared to play, even if you end up not starting.
a Something can happen really fast in the game and you have to be ready to come on and play. You have to be ready even if you are on the bench. You have to be ready always. On Sunday, ita s a final and anything can happen.a