Thomas Tuchel live conference: Kante, Thiago Silva, Pulisic injury updates and Chelsea FA Cup against Barnsley
The Blues make the long trip to Barnsley tomorrow as they attempt to secure a spot in the FA Cup quarter finals.
Chelsea take a brief break from Premier League action tomorrow evening as they face Barnsley in the FA Cup fifth round.
The game will be Thomas Tuchel’s first taste of the historic competition and the Blues are heavy favourites to advance to the quarter-finals.
Barnsley, who sit 13th in the Championship, have won just one of their last five matches in all competitions.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are unbeaten under Tuchel – three wins and a draw – and are expected to progress at what will be a freezing cold Oakwell.
Changes are anticipated to be made to the Blues side, with several lesser-used members of the first-team squad likely to be given minutes.
Thiago Silva will miss the game due to injury and Tuchel delivers updates on Kante, Thiago Silva and FA Cup ahead of Chelsea’s trip to Barnsley.
When asked about N’Golo Kante’s hamstring injury, Tuchel revealed.
“Not concerned about any more injuries because I feel the support and quality of the medical department. We can manage his minutes and workload and take care of him.”
“I am not concerned about his quality. What I see on the pitches here at Cobham is, how can I put it, it’s everything I expected and I expected a lot because I am a huge fan of him.”
“I can see the input he has on teams. He makes teams better. He has the mentality of a water carrier but on such a high level.”
About Thiago Silva’s injury, He’s out. He feels no better. He’s had a lot of treatment and I know Thiago from the last years, we can be absolutely sure he is spending every minute available to speed up the process of healing.
Having been asked whether he is pleased with his players, the former PSG boss said, I’m pleased with the quality and mentality I see, and the team effort.
We see the qualities of the players every day. Of course, we want to guide and help them, but the quality, determination and mentality to stick to a game plan and attack and defend together is what we see.
“It’s a good start and if we can show some patterns it will help us increase the amount of attacks, play faster, keep the game easier, and to keep the intensity.”
“How we play is the most important the players deserve credit for that. We have found a high level here in the dressing room and on the pitch. So it’s up to us to keep the momentum going.”
On winning the FA Cup, “it would be huge. It’s one of the most prestigious cups in the world and it’s played at Wembley. Even as a little boy in Germany, with no internet or sports channel, you know the words Wembley for sure.”
“It’s a big, big game to play in and a big goal to achieve. But tomorrow is the most important game.”
On surprises on his Chelsea job so far, “it was not a surprise [by English football] but when you feel it and expierences things on the sidelines every three days, it’s different.”
“There is a big intensity in coaching, big physical imput, very disciplined defending in their structure.”
“Everybody is fighting hard for a win. Nobody is settling for a good draw or a close defeat.”
Tuchel also feel Kante fits his system of play. He will start tomorrow.
“I think N’Golo fits into any manager’s plans on the planet. I was desperate to have him in my teams [in the past].”
“I am so happy to have him back again. We put him on the pitch against Tottenham and he helped everybody on the pitch, which is what he does.”
“To see the guy live, to see how he works, how humble he is, the quality he gives to the team. I am so humble to be his coach.”
Erling Haaland and Dayot Upamecano have been linked with a move to Chelsea and Tuchel shared light links.
“I can understand the interest in the question and the interest of every fan and supporter to talk about these subjects. I am always a fan and am interested in what’s going on.”
“But now it is February and there is long way to go. As you get to know me, you will know I will not talk about other players who are under contract.”
“This is the type of respect I show. Everything else will be decided behind closed doors. I’m sorry.”
On team news and FA Cup, “We play every competition to win. So every round in a cup competition is the most importnat round. It’s an elimation game so we have to be totally focused and on point tomorrow when the match starts.”
“There is a high possibility we will make a lot of changes. Everybody who deserves to be on the pitch hasn’t been on the pitch so far.”
“So it’s a moment to have fresh legs and fresh minds on the pitch.”
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