Jose Mourinho has praised the work of Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino ahead of Sunday’s clash at White Hart Lane.
The Chelsea boss has come under intense scrutiny following an abysmal start to the season at Stamford Bridge, with the Blues lying in 15th going into the weekend.
Spurs’ campaign has been a stark contrast so far, with the Lilywhites just two points off fierce north London neighbours Arsenal, and a Champions League spot.
And Pochettino’s success has attracted praise from the Special One, who has also admitted that his Tottenham counterpart enjoys less pressure.
“They need a great manager, which they have. And good players, which they have. And the conditions too. I cannot say how much easier those conditions are,” Mourinho said.
“Nobody speaks about them as title contenders like they speak about City, United, this and that. They lose a couple of matches and nothing happens.
“When I was in a team whose objectives were not to be relegated, in December we were third and it was fantastic.
In pictures: The last time Chelsea faced Tottenham
"You could go into every match after that knowing you can lose.
“You can bring in young players without problems, even if they're not ready. You play the top teams and if you win you're a hero. If not, it's something very natural. I enjoyed it.”
The two sides’ league fortunes could not be more different this season - with Mourinho’s men suffering seven defeats while Pochettino has only seen his side emerge pointless on one occasion, an opening day defeat at Old Trafford.
And the Chelsea boss believes that stubborn Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has been pivotal to the club’s successful 2015, after refusing to sell prolific England striker Harry Kane to one of the Premier League’s top four sides.
The 22-year-old has played a huge part in Tottenham’s strong start, already scoring eight Premier League goals after his 21 goal campaign last season.
And Mourinho believes that Levy’s refusal to sell Kane has provided a strong foundation for Spurs to push for silverware this season.
“They keep the players they want to keep. I think they bring the right players in. The squad is very good and has a lot of potential,” he added.
“There is no pressure on them, like it is in the other four or five top teams to reach important positions. So they have great conditions to do the magnificent work they are doing.”
“They have this season an even better team than last season.
“I can imagine, with the stability they are showing, that sooner or later – I think sooner – they will be there, or win trophies or a Champions League position. I think so for sure.”
Tottenham have produced brilliant performances en route to fifth place this season, putting title contenders Manchester City to the sword in a 4-1 thrashing in September.
But the Blues boss is not afraid of his old friend Pochettino ahead of Sunday’s clash, after crossing paths with the Argentine manager while managing in Spain.
Mourinho said: “We've known each other for a long time. We cannot be close friends because, to do that, you need a certain kind of relations. But we are friends.
“We have good feelings for each other. His technical staff and mine have known each other for a long time too, so relations are good.”
