The Blues secured a place in the Champions League last-16 and took control of the battle for the top spot in Group H.
Follow Us
Thomas Tuchel was all praise for Chelsea’s “strong performance” in the emphatic 4-0 victory over Juventus at Stamford Bridge. As a result, the Blues secured a place in the Champions League last-16 and took control of the battle for the top spot in Group H. Goals from Trevoh Chalobah, Reece James, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Timo Werner completed a memorable night for the home side. It was a dominant performance against the Italian giants, and it was not a surprise that the winning manager was delighted with his team’s display on Tuesday night.
“It was a very strong performance and an outstanding result,” the German said, according to their club’s website. “We knew we had to be patient and at the same time be responsible for the rhythm and intensity. We had to take care about the details, when to accelerate the game and be sharper like in the first match, and the team did all this. It was a great performance from everybody so full credit to the players – what an effort, what an attitude.
“To score so many goals against a team who defend so well is an amazing achievement so it was a fantastic evening for us with a great result. It’s important now to enjoy it, not to get carried away but to enjoy it. Tomorrow is a day off for the players and they fully deserve it but then from Thursday afternoon we prepare the next match. We will keep the feet on the ground but it was a very strong match.”
What is impressive is the fact that the statement win came in Tuchel’s 50th match in charge. “It’s a very nice match for the 50th one. I was not aware of it before but it’s fantastic to have 50 matches already. It’s a pleasure to be at the club every single day and to be a part of this team. They have a fantastic attitude, determined and hungry, so we want to keep this energy and atmosphere in the group. The challenges are coming and it’s good because it keeps us going,” he explained.
Tuchel was then asked about his side’s impressive defensive record. “It’s not written above the manager’s office “defence is what counts!” It’s a huge part of the game. Sometimes defending is the best way to get control of the game and protect us against counter-attacks. I feel us very aware and I am thankful for the invisible work, that we are very disciplined and that protects us. When we have to defend we dig in and we really defend, so with a bit of luck and good goalkeeping this is possible,” he stated.
“I felt from day one we very brave in our approach to defending. We had instantly a lot of ball possession always so from there we try to create chances and to be dangerous. Then comes a new season and we try to recreate it because the group is a bit new. Sometimes you catch the momentum and this is clearly the case now so full credit to the guys. We want to be strong in all parts of the game. It’s a strong, hungry group and it’s a pleasure to coach them.”
He also provided an update on Chilwell and Kante, who limped off injured. “It worries me because he [Chilwell] was in such a fantastic moment, like Reece on the other side. They were in the best shape they could possibly be, so strong and so full of confidence and with such a lot of quality,” he elaborated.
“Chilly has a sharp pain in the knee and he was in a lot of pain. Now he feels a bit better so we will have an examination tomorrow to be more precise. We hope for the best and it’s not too bad news. It’s the same with N’Golo. He twisted his knee a little bit but hopefully it’s not too bad. These were the only two sad things because N’Golo was again fantastic until the moment when he went off and Chilly is in a fantastic moment and is also important. Let’s hope for the best.”
