Chelsea are entering a ‘crucial’ run of games but remain firmly focused on facing Manchester United in the FA Cup, insists assistant manager Gianfranco Zola.
The Blues returned to winning ways following their galling 6-0 defeat to Manchester City with a 2-1 win over Malmo in their Europa League last-32 first leg on Thursday night.
United, who suffered their first defeat under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at the hands of PSG on Tuesday, visit Stamford Bridge on Monday night as last season’s finalists contest for a place in the quarter finals.
Following the Cup clash, Manchester City again await in the League Cup final before Chelsea host Tottenham in the Premier League.
“We know that it is a crucial moment,” the Italian said of the upcoming run.
“The next three matches, and the FA Cup, Carabao Cup and Spurs. It will be very important to face each task just by thinking of that task. First is United after a good performance in the Europa League.”
Having earned a rest in Sweden where Olivier Giroud led the line, January signing Gonzalo Higuain is likely to come back in against United and Zola said the striker has settled well.
“He has settled well,” Zola said. “When it comes to scoring goals he is sharp and his physical condition is getting better. He is in a good place.”
