'We are winning some very difficult games at the moment'

...on the game "We got a good physical reception. This was the toughest Charlton side I have played since I came to England and we need a great performance to come away with three points."

...on grinding out victory "We had some average performances last season but, now we've come back down to earth, every display is under even more scrutiny. I feel we are getting better and better in every match, and we are winning some very difficult games at the moment. In the last six games we have made 16 points that is good consistency and to get nine points from Portsmouth, Newcastle and Charlton is great."

...on leaving out Robert Pires "We are playing again on Tuesday and I wanted to give him a breather. Also they had Dennis Rommedahl on the right so I felt I need a little bit more cover. We were playing Fabregas not Flamini and that makes us more offensive so I wanted to balance a bit on the other side."

...on Ljungberg's brace "Freddie wasn't completely right physically in his first game back after his migraines on Boxing Day, but he was better at Newcastle and was outstanding today. The main three goalscorers this season have been Ljungberg, Pires and, above everyone else, Henry. It is important to have at least three players in your side who can score. In the last two away games we have had single goals from Patrick Vieira and Sol Campbell. That was not going to last forever."

...on Robin van Persie "I always give my players six months to adapt when they are young, and he is starting to play now. You can expect it is a shock to your system when your first game is at Portsmouth, there is no space everybody battles but he has got better in each game and has shown he can be dangerous in each match. He could have been decisive and I kept him in because of that."

...on the title race "At the moment we try not to look at the other results. We just want to find our consistency back. The last three away games — Portsmouth, Newcastle and Charlton - have been cup ties. You don't want to let Chelsea go 15 points ahead, so we try to make it interesting for everyone. If we are consistent, we will have a good, good chance. If there are six games to go then I‘ll start to look at their results. But in March, we will be better as the young players will be stronger. The spirit and unity are fantastic right now and the belief had been elevated.

...on injuries "Sol has turned his ankle. I think we may have another young team in the next game. Cygan is back to normal training on Monday but he is short [for Tuesday]. If Sol cannot play it will be Senderos. Lauren has a good chance to be back on Tuesday but I feel Justin Hoyte did very well."

[ 30 December 2004]