“High quality”: Chelsea boss Tuchel makes surprise admission after Man United draw

Thomas Tuchel happy with Chelsea draw against Manchester United

According to Eurosport, Thomas Tuchel was relatively happy with his side’s draw against Manchester United. The Blues held to a 0-0 draw over United at Stamford Bridge as both sides failed to test each other in what was a very drab stalemate.

The draw ensured that Tuchel’s unbeaten run continued but with dropped points, the chasing pack are slowly closing in. However, Tuchel spoke out on the game and claimed that he was happy with how Chelsea put up with Manchester United.

A 0-0 draw against Manchester United meant Chelsea are left one point behind West Ham United in 5th position. (GETTY Images)
A 0-0 draw against Manchester United meant Chelsea are left one point behind West Ham United in 5th position. (GETTY Images)

“It was a high-quality game between two very strong teams. We suffered in the first half but overall it was an even game. In the second half, I thought we were really strong. I thought we were closer to winning it, but there was a lot of quality on the pitch. Performance-wise I’m satisfied. We defended very well in the last line and I’m very happy with that.”

The German tactician insisted that the team did not attack spaces as efficiently as he would have liked in the first period. However, he said he was happy to take a draw against Manchester United.

“We were not good enough in the first half to attack the spaces. We said at half-time not to worry. We changed to a 5-3-2 to have higher ball recoveries and to regain confidence, and the boys did that very well. We were very close to winning. We take what we got. I’m absolutely happy. Against a team like Man United you don’t get many chances.”

LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 28: Harry Maguire of Manchester United is challenged by Cesar Azpilicueta of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on February 28, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

The talking point of the match was, however, a penalty call that required VAR intervention but Stuart Attwell deemed it to not be a penalty. Tuchel gave his say on the issue.

“How can this be a VAR intervention? The player in red plays the ball with the hand and then we are checking for a penalty? Why does the referee have to see this? I’ve seen it on the iPad, I don’t understand why the referee has to check it but I’m glad it was no penalty. That would make it even worse.”

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Chelsea will have another big test in the form of Liverpool. A vital clash by all means in the race for top-four, both sides are separated by just a point at 5th and 6th. A win there could go a long way in securing a coveted Champions League spot.