The manager of Chelsea football club, Thomas Tuchel has proven yet again that he was the missing piece in the current Chelsea squad. Since he arrived at the London club in January, the club has been enjoying unprecedented progress, especially in the Premier League.
Before the German tactician who was sacked by Paris Saint Germain late last year, took over from Frank Lampard, Chelsea were on a nosedive in the Premier League. From the 9th spot on the league table, Tuchel drove the club upward until last night, March 4, 2021, when the London club beat Liverpool at Anfield to climb into the top four.
Thomas Tuchel and his boys got into the Champions League position, thanks to their consistency since January 27 when Tuchel drew his first Premier League game which was against Wolves. From that point, Chelsea only recorded two draws in the league, others have been victories all the way.
So far under Thomas Tuchel, Chelsea have recorded seven victories in all competitions, including a 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 on February 23. This means that the German tactician has not experienced a defeat as the manager of the Blues.
In the game against Liverpool on Thursday, the world saw a compact Chelsea’s side that took the game to Liverpool and played them from start to finish. Though the ball possession favored Liverpool slightly, Chelsea had 5 shots on target which showed how much Chelsea wanted to win the game.
“We needed to show courage if we wanted to escape the pressure and we did this excellently”, said Thomas Tuchel after the game. “We were strong in our transition game, we were strong in defending and winning second balls and counter-pressing. It was a very, very good team performance.”
"We were sharp, very focused, very brave in everything we did."
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) March 5, 2021
Lots for the boss to be happy with after tonight's display 🔥#LIVCHE pic.twitter.com/RuMYG8dtQP
Thomas Tuchel and Chelsea’s top-four finish
Though Chelsea are now sitting on the 4th spot with 47 points in 27 games, the position could be taken away by either Everton or West Ham if either of them win their game in hand.
The game in hand for 5th placed Everton is away against Chelsea on Monday, March 8, 2021, at 19:00. While the game in hand for 6th placed West Ham United is against Leeds United on Monday at 21:00.
All Chelsea need to do to retain their current position is to beat Everton on Monday, and continue winning their remaining 10 league games afterward.
But where Chelsea will end the season is not the biggest concern of Thomas Tuchel, he stressed after the win over Liverpool on Thursday that he is more focused on the club’s next league match against Everton.
According to the German coach, Chelsea have already entered the top four since February 15 when the team defeated Newcastle United 2-0 at Stamford Bridge.
“We have already been in the top four after a win against Newcastle and we cannot lose the focus by looking at fixtures all the time, it does not help”, he said.
“I know it is boring for you but we have to prepare every match on the highest level as this league doesn’t allow you to drop one percent.
“If we want to keep going we have to refocus for Everton [on Monday] and nothing else and the rest will take care of itself.
“There are still 11 games to go, still a long way, we are in the race. We closed the gap very quickly and it is a big effort and now we are in the middle of the race and we need to keep going.
“But this league, the competition in the Champions League and FA Cup, drives us and it is not time to lay back and become too relaxed.
“I have a hungry group and I am hungry and we are not finished.”
Match highlights 📲👇
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) March 5, 2021
After a performance like that, why not watch and enjoy the best bits all over again 😉 #LIVCHE pic.twitter.com/liIqRjHSG7
