Tuchel: Chelsea have ‘unfinished business’ in the FA Cup
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has admitted his side have ‘unfinished business’ in the FA Cup after falling to defeat to Leicester in last year’s final.
The Blues were defeated by Brendan Rodgers’ side last season as Youri Tielemens’ impressive strike gave the Foxes victory.
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Tuchel’s men begin their journey into this years competition by taking on National League side Chesterfield at Stamford Bridge and the Chelsea manager admitted his side want to go one better this time round.
“There are a lot of teams with unfinished business in the FA Cup except for Leicester. If we want to go back to Wembley we have to win tomorrow. Tomorrow is the business and we have enough to work on, improve, show, and prove ourselves on the pitch,” said Tuchel.
“Don’t judge the opponent and importance of the game, go and do our thing and this is what I demand of myself and the players.”
The German boss admitted he will use the game to get players back up to fitness but will still put out a strong line-up to respect their opponents.
“We want to use the match to get minutes into the guys who need it and want it, like Timo for example. But there are still one or two more Covid tests to do so hopefully the situation stays as it is. We will show a strong line-up, show respect to Chesterfield.
“You will never hear me say we can’t lose a game, that would be hugely arrogant.
“Yes, we are huge favourites and we want to win, we demand that of ourselves. But we respect the game and the opponent.
“We have to deliver and need to be ready. We have to have a strong squad and a squad that is ready to enjoy these minutes. If you want to reach the next round you have to win. It’s as boring as it is but that’s what it is.
Tuchel also provided an injury update and whilst the longer-term injury sufferers won’t return, Cesar Azpilicueta, Kai Havertz and Andreas Christensen could all feature.
“The long-term injuries will not come back but Azpi just had a cramp, Kai’s finger is pretty much ok to play football, our doctors will take care of it. Andreas Christensen was in training yesterday and hopefully there will be no reaction.
“We will have another training session later and hopefully the situation stays like this in the moment because that will give us some more options.
“Thiago [Silva] and N’Golo [Kante] are okay in terms of symptoms but they are out. Nobody else yet.”
