Thomas Tuchel acknowledged that his side need to be well prepared for any scenario before the start of their crunch game against Aston Villa, but admitted that he will keep an eye out on the games at the King Power and Anfield in order to evaluate the level of risk Chelsea need to take in the second half.
Chelsea’s task is a simple one on paper.
Win and they qualify for the Champions League once again. But if they lose or draw, it’s an entirely different situation, and in that case, the results from Leicester and Liverpool will determine whether or not they finish in the top four.
If things aren’t going to plan at Villa Park by half-time, he could be forced to change his approach to the game in search of the much-needed win.
“Well I think we need to be professional and well prepared to any scenario,” he told Sky Sports before the game.
“At half-time we will check – that will not change anything because half-time still every team has 45 minutes to go. But during the second half it can change the amount of risk we need to take or do not take – yes.”
The German has undoubtedly done a fantastic job since arriving and has guided Chelsea ninth to third in the table.
Yet the success of the league season will be determined by this result, and if they were to slip up, it would certainly feel like an opportunity missed, especially considering they are the ones in control.
“We rely on ourselves. We will be well aware of the results but the focus is on us,” he concluded.
