Tuesday’s victory over Tottenham leaves European qualification in our own hands and Jorrel Hato says Chelsea are determined to finish 2025/26 with a victory at Sunderland to ensure we are playing on the continent next season.
The Blues will start the final day in eighth position in the Premier League table. We could jump above Brighton in seventh – they host Manchester United – while Brentford and Sunday’s opponents Sunderland are breathing down our necks.
Indeed, the Black Cats would leapfrog us if they win at the Stadium of Light. It promises to be a fantastic occasion in the North-East, and Hato is well aware of the job at hand.
‘We knew we had two big games left in the league after the Cup final and we had to get six points,’ said the Dutchman.
‘We did the first half against Tottenham and now Sunday is the second half. Sunderland will be a tough game but it’s an important one to end up as high as possible.
‘We have a good chance. We know what we need to do. We need three points to secure a European spot. We are going there on Sunday to win the game. Chelsea's a big club, so we have to be in Europe.’
It will be Hato’s final game of a very promising first season at Stamford Bridge. By his own admission the defender, who turned 20 in March, had to overcome some hurdles as he adapted to English football.
As the weeks have gone by, however, Hato looks increasingly assured in our defence. He has been a bright spot during the tricky recent weeks for the team.
‘I would lie if I say the first couple of months were easy, because they weren't,’ Hato acknowledged.
‘It was a difficult time but the second half of the season you saw the better side of me. I’ve showed my qualities, the ones I showed in Ajax.
‘I’ve improved a lot, with my confidence as well, and that’s why I’m playing now.’
Hato will hope to kick on next season and he will do so under the guidance of Xabi Alonso, who begins life as Chelsea manager on July 1.
Whatever formation the Spaniard opts for – he has often utilised a central defensive trio in the past – Hato is ready to help where he can.
‘I have played in a back three, in a back four and a back five. For me it doesn’t matter where I play, I just want to play.
‘He’s a great manager, he was a great player as well. He did very well at Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. It’s good news for us that we have a manager at the start of the season. Of course our focus is on Sunday’s game but we are excited for next season.’