Ahead of Chelsea’s encounter against Southampton, Thomas Tuchel has given an interesting talk – laying out few important points that will outline the Blues’ intention to win their sixth straight match across all competitions.
This will be Chelsea’s seventh match under Tuchel’s guidance, having guided them to an impressive unbeaten run since his first match against Wolverhampton Wanderers which ended in a stalemate. Chelsea now sit in 4th place, four points behind Leicester City and Manchester United, both sitting in 2nd and 3rd place respectively with 46 points.
Speaking prior to the team’s final training session via video link to chelseafc.com, Tuchel pointed out Chelsea’s relatively less but significant injury woes – with Thiago Silva out with a setback, and Christian Pulisic not being risked ahead of the crucial Champions League tie against Atletico Madrid. He also spoke on Tammy Abraham and Kai Havertz’s progress after brief lay offs.
On Abraham’s ankle injury against Newcastle United and Pulisic’s training setback where he reported a tight calf, he said:
“Tammy feels very good and he is free for training. If things go well, he is in the squad. We have some issues with the call for Pulisic, nothing big but it feels tight and a bit of a risk. Chelsea bought Christian for a reason, for his quality and his potential so it’s our job to bring out the best in him.”
While Havertz has been a significant absence for Chelsea in the past four matches, Tuchel had some positive news regarding the German, saying:
“Kai Havertz has been training as well and will join us at Southampton.”
Tuchel is keen for Thiago Silva to be fit and ready to face a stern Atletico next week and point out his absence for Saturday afternoon’s encounter.
“Thiago will be out for the game, he’s not ready.”
Leaving aside injury problems, the gaffer pointed out that the team were gelling well enough and intend to keep up the high morale, no matter the opponent.
“We were brave enough to play our game (against Tottenham) and impose our style onto the opponents and this is what we want – to play the same game no matter who’s on the other side.”
Chelsea’s visit to St. Mary’s Stadium will give them the opportunity to close down the gap on the top three and maintain Tuchel’s fantastic run of form.
