MY ACCOUNT
Thomas Tuchel admits his jaded Chelsea stars are “drained and mentally tired” ahead of tonight’s Premier League clash with Leeds.
A cloud of uncertainty has hung over the Blues since the assets of billionaire owner Roman Abramovich were frozen by the UK Government in March in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Tuchel, 48, has done a fine job of dealing with whatever has been thrown at him this season but his team’s inconsistent form has been a cause for concern in recent weeks.
Having been edged out of the Champions League by Real Madrid and suffered heavy home defeats to Brentford and Arsenal, Saturday’s disappointing 2-2 draw with Wolves loosened their grip on third place.
And Tuchel will clearly be a relieved man when Todd Boehly and Co complete their purchase of the club.
The German said: “We look a bit drained and mentally tired, which is understandable given the circumstances around the club. It’s challenging.
“The big [Champions League] games after the international break meant there were huge emotions to deal with from losing to then beating Real Madrid but getting knocked out of the competition.
“It’s quite challenging and we feel the effects in our legs and bones — it’s another reason everybody knows [about].
“The positive thing is I feel the will and motivation to turn things around. As I saw against Wolves, at points it [the motivation] was too high as we attacked with defenders far up the pitch and left space for counter-attacks.
“This was not a lack of motivation but the opposite of that. There were good signs so now is the moment for me to stay calm, take it step by step and finish the season on a positive note.”
Ownership saga
Tuchel openly acknowledges the circumstances surrounding the club’s ownership saga have impacted his squad.
But with American businessman Boehly edging closer to taking control, there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Tuchel added: “We are the only club who suffer like this. The situation is unique and challenging and there are currently steps in the right direction.
“We need positive energy and atmosphere, so it is very important that things progress.
“There is no hiding from the fact it’s a distraction and it’s a matter of how we can progress.
“We did excellently until the international break and it had no effect in terms of results — we felt strong during the difficulties and the announcement [of the sanctions against the club].
“Something very human and normal took place during the break, there were different influences to the players and perhaps more thoughts about the situation in general as they want to be competitive and know what is happening next season.
“Players like Toni [Rudiger] decided to change clubs, so with every day it gets a bit more difficult, not impossible, and we are still looking for the level to be competitive and win games.”
Rudiger, who has agreed a switch to Real Madrid, is unlikely to be the only player leaving Chelsea this summer.
But Tuchel will be determined to ensure his fellow German departs on a high note by helping the Blues get revenge against Liverpool in the FA Cup final on Saturday.
The Londoners are desperate to settle the score with Jurgen Klopp’s side having lost the Carabao Cup final to the Reds back in February.
