Time was running out, Tuchel reveals after Club World Cup win
Thomas Tuchel has revealed he only beat his Covid isolation at the “second-to-last chance” to coach Chelsea to their maiden Club World Cup title in person.
The Blues’ German boss admitted he cut a frustrated figure trying to coach Chelsea’s FA Cup fourth-round win over Plymouth and the Club World Cup semi-final from his office.
And, as time ticked down, he revealed he made several drives to the airport without even waiting for his Covid test result, such was his desperation to join the Chelsea squad in Abu Dhabi.
Tuchel tested negative at the penultimate chance to reach the UAE in time though, and took his place on the touchline as the Blues edged past Palmeiras 2-1.
“We were running out of lights, with the time difference we knew the deadline was coming,” said Tuchel.
“So it was the second-tolast chance to make it, the last one would have been to arrive today in the morning. So I’m happy we made it.
“I was several times on my way to the airport called back because my test was not negative. Finally we made it.
“It was not nice to watch the semi-final on the office at the screen, but as a coach you want to be on the sideline.
“I’m happy now that all the effort went very well, everyone was so supportive. The effort was excellent and totally worth it.
“I had a tactical signal to see the whole pitch and the TV signal on the other big screen to watch the matches remotely and I was in contact at half-time with my assistant in the tribune.
“We did the same with the cup game, but it’s not like I’m constantly talking to them, it’s more or less every 10 or 15 minutes.
“It’s strange. Coaching is also about feeling, on the touchline, so I also needed the input from the guys on the sideline. It’s not possible to coach only from the office.”
Romelu Lukaku’s powerful header had Chelsea expecting to take total control against their Brazilian foes on Saturday night, only for Thiago Silva’s handball to let Palmeiras back into the contest.
Raphael Veiga buried the spot-kick to kick-start a cagey affair, but Chelsea stayed calm and eventually fully merited their win as Kai Havertz converted a late penalty in extra time.