Thomas Tuchel says he can always rely on “unique” Chelsea player
May 12, 2021
Kovacic, who cost the Blues £40million (BBC), has been sidelined lately through injury.
However, the 27-year-old central midfielder has been really impressive yet again this campaign, especially since Tuchel’s mid-season appointment as manager at Stamford Bridge.
The Croatia international is a massive fan favourite with Chelsea supporters, as he’s a really eye-catching player that adds some extra guile on the pitch with his dribbling and movement.
Tuchel has highlighted the aggressive side of his game too, and always feels he’s such a reliable performer.
“Kova is a big, big loss with his ability to drive with the ball, his speed on and off the ball. He is such a positive character, a unique player and a genuine fighter. You can always rely on him in training and in the games. He has a big experience despite being still young,” Tuchel said, as quoted by Football London.
It could have been Manchester United in the Champions League final
May 6, 2021
So it’s Chelsea v Manchester City in the Champions League final. We might find a television show on another channel to watch that night.
As far as Manchester United fans are concerned, this is a final we would prefer not be happening. Seeing either team lift the trophy would be a kick in the teeth.
United beat City in the last match between the two sides and drew the other league game, while our matches against Chelsea both ended in 0-0 draws. They were not a better team, not a Champions League winning calibre side.
Real Madrid vs Chelsea: Combined Modern XI
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It can be said without a shadow of doubt that between that between Real Madrid and Chelsea, two European giants, Real Madrid undoubtedly have the upper hand in possessing the more illustrious history of the two. That said, one cannot understate the quality of world-class, talented footballers that have graced both the blue and white jerseys.
The Champions League this season has pitted them against each other in a rare encounter. Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid won the last friendly between the two in the International Champions Cup in 2013.
But the last time these two faced each other in a competitive match (before last week’s first leg) was in the 1998 UEFA Super Cup final, 23 years back, when Chelsea beat Real Madrid 1-0 thanks to a 83
Tuchel admits he is concerned about recent workload of key Chelsea duo
May 1, 2021
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has expressed his concerns about the workload of midfield duo Jorginho and N’Golo Kante ahead of Fulham and Real Madrid clashes.
Unfortunately, Mateo Kovacic suffered an injury setback in training and is out of Saturday’s derby against Fulham.
The Croatia international has not played for the Blues since the 4-1 win over Crystal Palace on April 10 due to a hamstring injury and might be a doubt for the second-leg match against Real Madrid on Wednesday.
(Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Real Madrid 1-1 Chelsea, Champions League: Tactical Analysis
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First half
Chelsea were dominant in the first half, over-running Madrid in midfield, recovering loose balls and breaking through pressure to create a number of opportunities in the final third.
Chelsea were very aggressive to break through Madrid’s pressure quickly in midfield. The spaces for Chelsea to exploit were found ahead of Madrid’s backline, as their midfield pushed up to try to press Chelsea’s buildup, which would allow for Chelsea to combine, dribble or quickly recover loose balls to break forward.
Madrid were left vulnerable with Benzema playing between Jorginho and Silva, Casemiro pushing up high to close down Jorginho, the wing-backs up to close Chelsea’s wing-backs, Kroos isolated against Kanteé (a complete mismatch for Kroos) and Modrić getting caught between Mount and Rüdiger. Any combination with Kanté involved on the right would see him easily carry the ball past Kroos an