Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel has said his side will be mentally prepared for today's short trip to Brentford, with the Bavarian knowing first-hand what it is like being classed as an 'underdog', as the Bees have often been labelled since arriving in the Premier League.
Our head coach spent five years at Mainz in the Bundesliga earlier on in his coaching career, competing against the likes of Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, and believes those experiences offer him a good insight to how Thomas Frank's Brentford side will approach today's Premier League clash.
‘They will be ready to over-perform,' our head coach said. 'This is what they do in every single game, and if you arrive for a London derby in a Premier League game, not a cup game or friendly, these clubs are ready to over-perform.
‘The spectators, the coach, the players are all ready to over-perform. The good thing is we know this, and we are ready. We cannot be surprised.
‘If we are aware mentally then we have good chance to win this game because we have certain qualities, but we have to match the enthusiasm, confidence and motivation they have for 90-plus minutes. They will not give us anything.’
When asked on his opinions of Brentford and their Danish head coach, Tuchel spoke very highly of the club’s vision and in particular their owner, Matthew Benham, who has won plaudits for the way he has propelled the Bees into the top flight using a specific business model.
‘I know the project and the club. I know the owner and his interesting approach in scouting and analysing games, so we know each other for many, many years. I am very happy for him that he has finally fulfilled his dream to arrive with Brentford in the Premier League.
‘Obviously, Thomas Frank is a big part of it as the coach. To not make it in the play-offs and to win again is a long way, a very tough way and that challenges your resilience. This is what they are showing right now.
‘They play 5-3-2 very well, aggressively with a clear structure. They show a lot of courage, enthusiasm and confidence. By doing so they got good results which are well deserved.
‘It is a tough moment to go there, and it will be a tough challenge.’