As we prepare to welcome Ipswich Town to Stamford Bridge tomorrow afternoon. Tosin Adarabioyo and Levi Colwill are determined to right the wrongs from our defeat to the Tractor Boys in December.
Enzo Maresca's side suffered a disappointing defeat at Portman Road in our final match of 2024, and the Blues' defensive duo acknowledge they are looking to avenge that loss at Stamford Bridge.
Both Tosin and Colwill featured against Legia on Thursday evening, playing 45 minutes apiece, and while the former says this weekend's focus is earning another three points in our quest to finish in the Champions League places, the events of our December meeting with Ipswich will ensure the game means a 'little bit extra'.
Tosin said: ‘We are fully focused on the upcoming game, but in the back of your head, you always want to fight that little bit extra because they beat us, and for us that’s not acceptable. We want to go out there and get the three points.’
Colwill added: ‘Of course, the three points are the main aim at the end of the game. It hurts losing to them at their place, but when you come to the Bridge, it will be a totally different game. We all know that and understand that and we’re ready to fight for the three points.’
The duo have been part of a defensive outfit that is proving difficult to break down, with the Blues having only conceded once in our last five Premier League matches. Tosin attributes this to the strong bond that has developed within the backline.
‘It’s about sticking at it and having that belief and hunger to keep clean sheets,’ Tosin explained.
‘I think as defenders, there is no better feeling than walking away with a clean sheet and knowing that you’ve completely shut down your opponent.
‘I think between us, we are very good communicators. That makes our job 10 times easier, knowing that your boy is right next to you and always ready to back you up. Knowing that he’s always there to communicate with you, as a defender, makes everything a lot easier.’
Levi recognises our improved defensive displays and believes the relationship between the players will only keep developing in the right direction.
‘Each game our confidence will get better,’ Colwill added. ‘When we are getting those clean sheets as a defensive unit, we believe in ourselves more and more, and the trust is amazing right now. That’s why we’ve been getting those clean sheets. We’ve been pushing really hard as a team.
‘The trust comes from playing with each other and believing in each other. I know that if I get beat, then he will be there to try harder to save me, and that’s vice versa. That’s how you build a relationship and a bond and get better together.
‘These are my friends, my boys and my brothers. On the pitch, you can see that in the way that we win games and the way that we celebrate together – it’s amazing. We are just loving every day with each other, and it’s why we are improving.’
With seven games of the Premier League season remaining, the Blues sit fourth in the table. And staying in those Champions League positions is the focus for everyone in the Chelsea squad.
Tosin said: ‘The Champions League spots are our focus and, for the remaining games, that’s going to be on our minds. That’s what we speak about in the changing room before games. We have to remember our targets and push for that.’
Levi agreed, adding: ‘The Champions League is a must for us and also winning the Conference League – those two we want to do.’