Tuchel swerves credit for Chelsea goal-getter’s resurgence in reminder to Lukaku
Thomas Tuchel has praised Kai Havertz for the way in which he has stepped up for Chelsea, reminding Romelu Lukaku that it doesn’t mean his chances will be down either.
Havertz was a big-money signing for Chelsea in the summer of 2020. Like many of their recruits that year, it took him some time to get going. But bigger things began to materialise for the German when he scored the winning goal in last season’s Champions League final.
It was the catalyst for a better sophomore season at Stamford Bridge. The attacking midfielder went on to score the winner at the Club World Cup final too. It is one of nine goals he has to his name this season.
Hence, Havertz has already matched his entire tally from his debut year with Chelsea. He got there with a brace against Burnley in his most recent appearance.
Having scored five times since the turn of the year, the 22-year-old will be eager to continue his current form. Although some could point the praise in Tuchel’s direction for getting the best out of him, the Chelsea coach insists the credit is all Havertz’s.
He said at a press conference: “I don’t take pride. It’s on him. He stepped up.
“The players take care of themselves and if they are on the pitch, it’s on them to stay on the pitch.
“He was a little down, had struggles to fight for it and how to fight for it. But it is more or less a daily thing and he changed his attitude, used his physique and changed his body and he is in good shape for a long time.”
Havertz has predominantly featured as a centre-forward this season. He has still made many appearances in his more natural attacking midfield position.
By being deployed further forward, he has accounted for the lack of productivity for record signing Romelu Lukaku. The Belgian has not been as efficient in front of goal since re-joining the club from Inter Milan in the summer.
‘Always a chance’ for Lukaku
Much has been made of Lukaku’s struggles, but Tuchel insists all is not lost – and that Havertz’s form up front does not necessarily discount the ex-Manchester United man from getting gametime.
Tuchel said: “It’s not easy at the moment for him but he is a member of the team and an important member of the team. There are times when players are not happy because we can only pick 11 players.
“There is always a chance [for Lukaku] because Kai can play more positions than just a nine and we have played with two strikers in the past.”
Another attacker at Tuchel’s disposal is Christian Pulisic. The winger initially made a bright impression in west London but has struggled for consistency to some degree recently.
Tuchel gave Pulisic his breakthrough at Borussia Dortmund and has been his Chelsea boss for more than a year now. The American was also on the scoresheet against Burnley, providing another option to the manager.
Tuchel said: “He’s in a good moment, good form. There is a good link between Kai and Mason [Mount].
“For me, Christian needs, and what he can bring to the team is his physicality and ability to hit high intensity on a high frequency.
“He has the ambition and natural hunger to arrive in the six-yard box and this is good. It’s what we need. He needs to focus on these things and start from there.
“If he does and feels the physical fitness, he can have a huge influence in our game.”
Tuchel concerned about James setback
Tuchel was speaking in view of Chelsea’s next match, which is against Norwich City on Thursday night.
He should have a mostly full complement of players available to him. However, the full-back positions are still proving problematic.
Tuchel explained: “Everybody was on the training pitch today except for Ben Chilwell and Reece James, who has some muscular problems after his three games.
“He felt it during the match and it didn’t get better. Today there will be further examinations. It’s obvious what he can give to our team, so not good news at the moment.”
James had scored the opening goal against Burnley, having recently returned to action following a spell on the sidelines.
Fellow full-back Chilwell has been a longer-term absentee with an ACL injury. Although he has been pictured back at the training ground, Tuchel is keen for people not to get too carried away just yet.
He admitted: “I think the one minute he was out on the grass they took a photo. The weather made it possible he could do the exercise outside.
“They made him smell the grass and get a bit excited, but nothing close to football or team training.”
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