Chelsea defender Jorrel Hato says the team are targeting three points when they travel to face Aston Villa on Wednesday evening.
The Dutch defender admits the Blues need to bounce back after three games without a win. Chelsea lost narrowly at leaders Arsenal on Sunday, following draws against Leeds United and Burnley. That leaves the team chasing a top-four finish, with Villa currently six points ahead in fourth place.
“It’s a big one, of course,” Hato said. “Aston Villa are in the top four and if we win we get closer, but I think every game for us is important now until the end of the season.
“We go into it with the mindset to win every game, whether it’s Aston Villa or a different team.”
Hato also reflected on the team’s form under Chelsea’s new manager Liam Rosenior. “Since the new manager came, we won a lot of games in the league. Now we’ve dropped some points and that’s a little disappointing. But I think we can still achieve a lot this season.”
The 19-year-old has grown in confidence since his move from Ajax, featuring in the last nine Premier League matches, including Sunday’s London derby at the Emirates. Hato is focused on adapting to English football and improving his game in his debut season.
“I came here this season, it was a big step to the Premier League from the Dutch league,” he said. “I’m not playing every game, but I know I’m improving every day to get the minutes that I want. I try to improve in every training session, in every game. So I’m happy.”
Chelsea will hope Hato’s progress and focus help the team secure all three points at Villa Park, with kick-off set for 19h30 on Wednesday.
