Chelsea’s manager Thomas Tuchel admires the performance of his side in the 2-2 draw against Liverpool in the Premier League.
Chelsea came back from two goals down in the first of the intense game against the Reds to secure a point.
Speaking after the game Tuchel was not particular about the response of his side in the game but claims they were strong from the start of the game.
“Not only the response but also the start, we were so strong from the very start and that made it even harder to be 2-0 down, we got the feeling we should be 2-0 up,’ he responded.
“We were punished for two or three big mistakes at the beginning. Going 2-0 down, it would be easy to say things would be hard and perhaps it would not be our day but the guys stuck in and showed a fantastic attitude to get back into the game.
“It [being 2-0 behind] makes things against Liverpool super tough. It’s a big match against a big opponent full of individual quality and energy, so given the circumstances and where we had come from, how we played was exceptional with high ball recoveries, chances and transition. We could even be a bit more clinical to maybe create even more, but coming back from 2-0 was immense, and there are no worries except for the result. It was a brilliant match of football.
“Kova scored an amazing goal,’ he added, ‘and it really brought the belief back into the stadium. We showed the quality to get back level through Christian.”
The German also believes Liverpool forward should have seen a red card for a hard challenge on captain Cesar Azpilicueta.
“I’m not a fan of early red cards and I’m a big fan of Mane because he’s a top guy and fantastic player, but I’m sorry – it was simply a red card,” he said.
It was announced that team forward Romelu Lukaku was dropped from the squad before the big game due to the controversial incident.
Tuchel further stated that he dropped the striker due to the chaos caused by his interview which was a distraction for the big game.
“It is not Chelsea-like but it’s also not the worst thing in the world and it’s not the first time that an interview out there causes some noise that nobody needs,” Tuchel added after the game.
“I don’t feel personally attacked. I don’t feel personally angry but the noise was too big on Friday. We took the decision to delay the decision, also to protect Romelu from a rash decision, because we need to speak, we need to read the full interview, to stay calm and not lose our head. It was simply the decision to protect the preparation for a match like this. So it was clear he will not be in the squad, he will not play, and from there on there was a bit more focus to play a match like this.”
The manager will meet with the striker before their game against Tottenham and evaluate the situation and also know the next line of action.
“We need to evaluate the situation and not listen to the media and not listen to the pressure but understand what he said, which is why there is the meeting tomorrow,” Tuchel reported.
“From there we will take the decision. If the decision is he is good to go for Wednesday, this is the decision, but I cannot tell you right now because we need to talk and understand the situation better and then from there we go once the situation is clear. There is no doubt he will stay our player and we will also protect our player.”
Source: Chelseafc.com
