Danny Rose admits Tottenham’s bitter rivalry with Chelsea has now reached the level of ‘hatred’
England defender is still 'amazed' at the ill-feeling shown to Spurs by home fans AND players in fiery Stamford Bridge clash
DANNY ROSE admits Tottenham’s bitter rivalry with Chelsea is now “hatred” — and bigger than facing Arsenal.
The England full-back has revealed feeling venom from PLAYERS as well as fans ahead of the draw that finished Spurs’ title bid.
Mousa Dembele was given a six-game ban for eye-gouging at the Battle of the Bridge on May 2, while Rose sparked a brawl with a challenge on Willian.
Rose said: “That’s now the first fixture we’re looking at next season — Chelsea at home and Chelsea away.
“To feel the hatred from the Chelsea fans and players before that game — it was amazing.”
The clubs were fined £600,000 in total after the game erupted in violence with 12 yellow cards and a tunnel melee.
Rose added: “I’ve apologised before on behalf of Tottenham for what happened in the game but I wouldn’t change anything apart from the result.
“How we fought for each other, we’ve shown we are not a pushover. This is why I play football — games like that.”
Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino was also caught up in the fracas as his team’s season collapsed in ugly fashion.
But Rose says Poch has been instrumental in developing him as a left-back.
He said: “As daft as it sounds, I’ve never had a manager work on me until Mauricio Pochettino came to Tottenham.
“That’s no disrespect to any of the others I’ve worked for but it wasn’t until Pochettino that I’ve had one who’s taken time out to try to help me improve.
“When I’ve spoken to him he’s always said he wants me to play with the same arrogance as Marcelo at Real Madrid.
“Every time he goes out he looks like he thinks he’s the best in the world — and Pochettino wants me to have the same arrogance for Spurs.”
Rose could have been playing in the Copa America for Jamaica this summer but he is happy with his decision to concentrate on England.
He said: “I was thinking at the back of my head maybe I should have a look at Jamaica because I didn’t see a way into the England set-up immediately.
“But my agent told me just to be patient and it will come.
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“I’m glad I did. I’m in this position now that I’m able to fight with Ryan Bertrand for the left-back spot.
“Both sets of grandparents come from Jamaica. I think I made the right decision playing for England. What it came down to was the thought of a lot of travelling over there.
“I wanted to fully concentrate on Tottenham and if something came up with England I would be over the moon to take that. And thankfully it came up.”