Levi Colwill has thrown down the gauntlet ahead of Chelsea’s vital Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest, describing the trip to the City Ground as “effectively a final” in the club’s pursuit of Champions League qualification.

The Blues, currently pushing for a fifth-place finish, face a Forest side fighting for a similar fate on Sunday, in what could be a season-defining encounter for both teams. With Chelsea still in control of their European destiny, defender Colwill has urged his teammates to maintain composure and focus as they enter the penultimate game of the season under head coach Enzo Maresca.

“It is effectively a final,” Colwill declared. “It will be a tough game, a tough atmosphere, but we know what we need to do. They are going to be a tough team to play against. We are going to have to work really hard to break them down, but when we do create chances we have to score them, and not give them any chance to counter-attack.”

Colwill acknowledged the high stakes for both clubs, with Nottingham Forest also desperate for points to avoid relegation. He stressed the importance of tactical discipline and decision-making, especially in such a high-pressure environment.

“They are going to push harder than they might normally because they have to win too, and we have to be smart and pick our moments when to exploit that, and times when to sit off and let them give us what they’ve got,” he explained.

“We just have to find the balance to make sure we win the game.”
Rather than get caught up in the tension of the moment, Colwill believes preparation and mentality will be key.

The 22-year-old centre-back insists Chelsea must approach the game with a professional mindset, treating it as they would any other league match.
“We need to stay calm and treat it as any other game of the season,” he continued.

“First of all, we have to prepare the best we can in training. That’s the most important thing this week. We know we have two huge games to finish the season, and we have to focus game by game.”

Colwill concluded his rallying cry with a reminder of the belief running through the Chelsea dressing room, reinforcing the need for unity and confidence in the final stretch.
“When we get to Sunday, we have to believe in ourselves. If we believe in each other, we can definitely win there.”

With the chance to return to Europe firmly within reach, Sunday’s showdown at the City Ground will test Chelsea’s mettle, maturity, and hunger under pressure. If Colwill’s words are anything to go by, the Blues are ready to rise to the challenge.