Thomas Tuchel admitted nobody likes it when asked how his Chelsea squad have reacted to Antonio Rudiger’s impending exit, and let slip his own future plans soon after.
Chelsea still have work to do in their quest to qualify for next season’s Champions League. The Blues had appeared all set to make the title race a three-way affair. However, a run of five draws and one defeat in a seven-game span between December-January laid waste to their hopes.
Four months on and Chelsea sit seven points inside the top four. While it would take something of a collapse not to finish inside the top four from here, stranger things have happened before.
A win against Manchester United on Thursday will settle any lingering nerves and the Red Devils are arguably the league’s choice opponent at present.
United’s campaign is in freefall with performances on the pitch reaching new lows week after week.
However, speaking in his pre-match press conference (via Football London), Chelsea boss Tuchel warned his players against taking United for granted.
“I’m personally very happy to play against Manchester United at Old Trafford,” said Tuchel.
“I arrive with a strong club. I’m happy to have this match and it will always be a big match for me no matter what form they are in.
“That’s why we prepare in the best possible way. We focus on their last matches, we should not get confused by their lack of points, their squad is full of quality.”
Chelsea squad’s response to Rudiger news
Antonio Rudiger could feature after returning to training following a groin complaint. The upcoming matches will be the German’s last at Stamford Bridge after it was recently confirmed he’ll leave for free this summer.
Tuchel has already gone on record to state his disappointment at losing such an inspiring performer. And when asked what the reaction had been from within the dressing room, Tuchel admitted no one has received the news warmly.
“I don’t think anybody likes it,” said…