Thomas Tuchel has had to be like most other Chelsea fans who weren’t lucky enough to be out in Abu Dhabi this week, and that’s watching his team on the TV screen.
The Blues boss tested positive for Covid-19 and therefore was unable to travel out to Abu Dhabi this week to join his team in the Club World Cup campaign.
He would have been on the phone in regular contact last night as his players beat Al-Hilal 1-0 in the semi-finals to set up a final between them and Palmeiras on Saturday.
Kepa Arrizabalaga was the hero between the sticks, making two world class second half saves to keep Chelsea in front.
The stopper has been speaking after the game and was asked about Tuchel’s absence. It’s safe to say that the players are keen to be reunited with their boss, who might be able to make the final depending if he returns a negative test this week.
“Of course we miss him,” said Kepa as reported by the Chelsea website.
“Hopefully he can be here for the final but we have a fantastic staff also. They are working hard with us every day.
“We know already from the last year how we work with the manager, how he wants us to prepare for games. So of course we miss the manager, but we know what we have to do.”
