‘We needed a bit of luck’; Tuchel explains why Chelsea struggled in last-gasp Palace victory
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel admitted his side were fortunate to beat Crystal Palace 1-0 after feeling the effects of last week’s trip to the Middle East.
The Blues needed an 89th-minute goal by Hakim Ziyech to take all three points from the Eagles at Selhurst Park. Although Palace defended resolutely, they failed to register a single shot on target during the 90 minutes. The result keeps the west Londoners in third spot, with 50 points from 25 games played.
The European champions were involved in the Club World Cup last week. After beating Al-Hilal, they took care of Brazilian side Palmeiras in the final.
Having claimed the spoils a week ago, Tuchel’s men had a week to rest before facing their capital rivals. But the German tactician was not anticipating his men to come out all guns blazing back in domestic action.
“It was not the time to over expect something from us,” he told Sky Sports. “We came from where we came, played 120 minutes in the FA Cup, 120 minutes in the Club World Cup in 30C temperature difference, we had jet lag against a good opponent, a tough team to play.”
And the former Borussia Dortmund chief felt his charges enjoyed the rub of the green at times.
“We managed to win, keep a clean sheet, well deserved and could have scored in the first half,” he added. “If you score late it is always lucky, nobody ever denies that but you need a bit of luck to win games. If you win them, there is not a need to think too long about it.
“They are a strong side at home, have confidence and are well rested. That is how it is.”
Tuchel admits strange feeling in Premier League return
The Stamford Bridge outfit had not played a Premier League game since beating Tottenham 2-0 on January 23. Victory over Plymouth in the FA Cup preceded their trip to Abu Dhabi.
A Champions League clash with Lille follows next week before the EFL Cup final against Liverpool. And the boss confessed that making a winning return in the league was the most important thing.
“It is the best thing to come back and restart winning. We have not played a Premier League game in four weeks, so it is a bit strange,” he said.
“Nobody really has a feeling for the competition and it is not easy. That is why there is no need to feel bad or say sorry. We got the win, kept on trying and believing.”
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