Wesley Fofana insists Chelsea’s focus remains internal as they prepare for Sunday’s London derby against league-leaders Arsenal. The defender says the Blues are not concerned about the table, despite first playing second in one of the biggest fixtures of the Premier League season.
“It is a London derby. It’s always a difficult game, and everyone waits for it, especially with Arsenal on top and us second,” Fofana said to Premier League Productions & Showmax Premier League. “But we will just focus on the game. It is important for the team and for the fans, and we want to win. We don’t care who is first or second.”
Chelsea enter the fixture fresh from a major Champions League victory over Barcelona, a result Fofana believes arrived at the right time.
“It was a great night and a great performance. We played well, we deserved the win, and we kept the clean sheet. Now our focus is on Sunday.”
AFRICA PICKS: Premier League Gameweek 13 – Early value angles
After a long layoff, Fofana’s return has strengthened Chelsea’s defensive stability.
“As a defender, for me it is very important to keep the clean sheet. We work every day to continue like this. I feel good and happy. There were hard moments, but I’m back and trying to help the team.”
He admitted injuries take a psychological toll:
“It is very hard because you are angry at your body and you can’t control everything. You are alone, not with the team. But I stayed focused and tried to come back stronger.”
Fofana credited head coach Enzo Maresca for building unity within a young squad.
“He keeps us close as a family. He speaks with everyone and the team trusts him. He gives me a lot of confidence and protects me.”
Chelsea’s emerging stars, particularly Estevão, are also benefitting from the environment.
“Estevão is amazing. We try to protect him because he is the youngest. He has great quality and can go very far.”
ALSO: Where has it all gone wrong for Liverpool?
Despite being Club World Cup champions, Fofana dismissed any added pressure.
“We don’t feel the pressure; we are chilled. We just play football and try to improve every day.”
Chelsea approach the derby believing their ceiling this season remains high.
“Anything is possible. We have improved and matured compared to last season. We try to win as many games as possible and then we will see.”
With momentum on their side, Fofana said the squad’s attention is fully on Arsenal:
“We celebrated on Tuesday, but now the focus is on winning again. It’s a big game. The aim is to keep the clean sheet and enjoy it.”
The London Derby between Chelsea and Arsenal kicks off on Sunday, 30 November at 18:30
Photo: Alex Pantling/Getty Images
