Tuchel: ‘Super nice’ Mount is key man for Blues’ future

THOMAS TUCHEL offered support to “super nice guy” Mason Mount after his Wembley penalty heartbreak.

No player deserves to go through such misery but it seemed harsh on Chelsea’s homegrown hero to be left down and out, distraught after his miss in the shoot-out.

Mount is so committed, so determined and showed guts to take a spot-kick as Tuchel admitted that Chelsea’s priority now is to underline their commitment to him with a new contract.

The England midfielder has gone through the wringer of social media abuse in the past and this is a time when he needs as much support as possible.

Mount has two years left on his deal, he is the club’s future and Chelsea want to tie him and Reece James down for the long-term this summer when the Government sanctions are removed.

Boss Tuchel said: “The penalty will not change anything on my opinion about Mason.

“If you see his record and the importance of the game that he plays consistently for us, he is a key figure in this squad and club.

“He is a super nice guy and we don’t start doubting now because he misses a penalty.”

Mount is a rarity in football that he is as hard working as he is skilful. He may not be as glamorous as some of his England rivals such as Jack Grealish but that does not make him any less important.

It was Mount’s prompts and passes that set up Chelsea’s chances that could have avoided heading for the penalty lottery.

Yet, straight after the FA Cup final defeat, social media abuse had started with poisonous replies and taunts. Tuchel urged people to lay off Mount and said: “Nothing I can say will stop these guys doing it but abuse is not acceptable.”