Chelsea could take a big step towards securing Champions League football next season with a victory over Everton tomorrow, and Blues head coach Thomas Tuchel says the pressure of the top-four race "gets us out of bed early".
When the German took charge of Chelsea at the end of January following the club's decision to sack Frank Lampard, the Blues were five points behind fourth-place Liverpool.
A seven-game unbeaten league run coupled with those around Chelsea losing form has enabled the Blues to quickly climb up the Premier League table.
Tuchel's side now occupy the final Champions League position and could temporarily open up a four-point gap to those below them if they are able to overcome Everton at Stamford Bridge tomorrow evening.
However, Carlo Ancelotti's side have won their previous three Premier League matches and sit just one point and one place behind the Blues.
Everton also have a game in hand on Chelsea so victory is imperative if the Blues are to stay in control in the top-four race.
"There is only one point difference between the teams," Tuchel said on Thursday.
"Everton had a very strong start to season, had a big win at Anfield [last month], and have kept the momentum going.
"They have a very strong squad, very physical, full of talent. They have got strong strikers, a dangerous number ten in James (Rodriguez), strong experienced players, a super-strong manager at the sidelines.
"Carlo knows how to keep momentum going, how to keep the flow going. It is good that these games are on and it is good that we have another big, big match.
"That drives us, gets us out of bed early.
"It is very natural to have to be at our top level again. You don’t need many words because the situation is very clear. It does not change.
"We will need another top-level performance to be able to win and this is what we are up for at Stamford Bridge."
