Chelsea Must Have Belief
Speaking exclusively to Genting, he said: “Chelsea can go [to the Etihad Stadium] and beat [City]. They may have injuries to deal with or go on a poor run, [but] the players and staff must believe until the end.
“Chelsea’s target will always be to finish the season as champions. They must go into the match on Saturday with the confidence and belief that they can win the match.
“It is a great opportunity for them to show City that they are as good as them. The players will have to be at their best and Tuchel has to find the right system that will cause City problems.”
Must Be Clinical With Chances
Gallas recognises, though, that Pep Guardiola’s side are a formidable opponent and that defeating them will not be an easy task.
The former France international feels Chelsea must be clinical with the chances they are presented with, if they are to have any chance of claiming a positive result.
“The problem when you play against City is that they have quality in every department,” he continued.
“You have to be worried about all of their players because anyone in that side can hurt you. It doesn’t matter who they play, they play with the same style and purpose.
“In these games, against the very best, playing away from home, you must be completely focused for 90 minutes. You have to remain strong and frustrate them.
“It is so important to start the game well. You need to be solid at the back to give your attacking players the opportunity to make the difference. When the chance arrives to score, Chelsea must take it.
“All of the City players are dangerous. This is a team that scores goals for fun. City are a machine.”
Poor League Form
Chelsea’s task has been made more difficult as they go into the clash with City on the back of a poor run of form – the Blues have won just three of their last eight league games since the start of December.
“Chelsea need to change something,” Gallas explained.
“They need to get back to winning matches and try and reduce the gap at the top of the table, while potentially taking advantage of any slip-ups from Liverpool. It will be difficult, but I believe they can do it.
“When you play for Chelsea, the minimum requirement at the beginning of the season is to win the league.
“You can’t drop points against clubs like Everton, Wolves and Brighton if you want to win the title. Of course, I’m disappointed and all of the fans will be too.
“The players must show character. They must show more commitment.
“When you look at the Chelsea squad, it is full of world-class players, which is why it is difficult to understand why they are ten points behind City. They have to come back and try and win the next game.”
No Excuses
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has lost both of his first-choice wing-backs in Ben Chilwell and Reece James to injury this term, but Gallas feels it is no excuse for the Blues’ underperformance.
“Chelsea shouldn’t use injuries as a reason or look for excuses,” he added. “They have a big squad filled with top players.
“If one or two players are injured then there are players like [Marcos] Alonso who can come in.
“[Cesar Azpilicueta] can come in on the right. Okay, he’s not young anymore but he’s got a lot of experience. There are several others who can play there too.
“When Manchester City rotate, the performances are the same. The Chelsea players need to take their opportunity and show Tuchel what they can do.”
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