Chelsea ‘looked tired’, admits boss Thomas Tuchel after Brighton draw

Thomas Tuchel, who was named as FIFA Best Men’s coach 2021, saw his side, Chelsea, draw 1-1 against a low-ranked Brighton in an away game on Tuesday. The German manager admitted that the Blues were ‘physically and mentally’ tired. 

Chelsea’s winless drought in the Premier League has now extended to four games. They are now in the third place and 12 points behind leader Manchester City having played one game more. Given the form of City, which has won its last 12 games — most recently against Chelsea on Saturday, the champions will take some stopping in the quest to defend their title.

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“We looked tired. We knew they were well-prepared and had less games to prepare for this match. Final whistle, stadium celebrates like a victory. That’s what you face. At the moment it’s difficult. We tried everything but you can see that we are mentally and physically tired,” Tuchel said after the game. 

Hakim Ziyech scored for the Blues in the 28th minute. Hie goal came from the team’s first shot on target and goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was slow to get down to a low effort from just outside the area that crept inside the post, having maybe taken a slight deflection off the knee of Alexis Mac Allister. Adam Webster, umarked, scored the equaliser in the 60th. 

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Tuchel was asked what the Blues need to get back to their best.

“We need days off,” said the Chelsea boss. “We have two days off and two days to prepare for the next match against Tottenham. We need days off.”

With Chelsea dropping two points, fifth-placed Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are getting renewed hopes to finish in the top four and make it to next season’s UEFA Champions League.