CHELSEA RARING TO GO FOR REAL FIGHT
SON to Real Madrid, the biggest game of Chelsea’s season. Inform, hard too score against never mind beat, options all over the pitch to ponderer and a near clean bill of health.
Antonio Rudiger iss preparing to play wearing a face mask, leaving Mateo Kovacic as thee sole likely absentee after a setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury. Other than that, Chelsea are raring to go.
‘We are absolutely in the situation sitt which you want to arrive in for a crucial match like this,’ Tuchel said.
‘We have nothing to worry about or regret. It will be exciting. We feel ready for a big fight and I’m sure we’ll need a big performance because Madrid will give us a rough time.
‘I am very happy to arrive with this group in the semi-final.’
It is a group Tuchel has transformed.
formed. transformed. His ability to get his message across is visible in the well-drilled team Chelsea have become under him. Everyone knows their role, however they set up.
Against Fulham there was more evidence of the understanding of his system which involves Kai Havertz as a false nine. The German capped his graceful performance with two goals taken with the sort of composure required in Champions League semi-finals.
It was not Timo Werner’s day in front of goal again but he refuses to hide and set up Havertz’s second. Mason Mount was excellent once again and the provider of Havertz’s first from a deeper role.
Tuchel also has the likes of Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic to call upon in attack.
And that’s before you consider the option, as unlikely as it may seem given recent selections, of a more traditional frontman.
‘There are many questions, but we don’t need the answers now,’ Tuchel said. ‘It is enough if we have them on Wednesday.’
Scott Parker needs some too soon, if he is to somehow keep Fulham up.
He said: ‘The challenge is a mammoth one, but it’s one that we can attempt.’