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Mauricio Pochettino has told his Chelsea players that the only way they can stand a chance against Pep Guardiola’s high-flying Manchester City side when they welcome them to Stamford Bridge on Sunday, is to have the belief in their hearts that they can beat the reigning Premier League champions.

Poch made this known on Friday, as he entertained questions from the press. He said it was important that Chelsea don’t see themselves as the underdog against City, and instead, go into the clash full of confidence, like they did in the 4-1 win against Tottenham on Monday.

He said: “I think Chelsea never has the feeling of being the underdog.

“The feeling always is you are Chelsea. When you are Chelsea it is impossible to feel any different, the history is there. We cannot go and say we are the victim of the day on Sunday. We need to go and try to be protagonists with our personality, with our character.

“We went to Tottenham on Monday and finished the game 4-1 and won the game. That showed we have the character and the talent to compete and to fight with the best clubs in England. Now it is about bringing that confidence that for sure will help us to be more competitive.”