Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has reacted to beating Pep Guardiola to The Best FIFA men's coach award.
Sacked by Paris Saint-Germain in December 2020, it was a superb 2021 for the charismatic and innovative German as he led the Londoners to their second Champions League title - at Manchester City's expense.
In the Premier League, though, Chelsea are still playing catch up to Guardiola and his star-studded team.
Victory against Tuchel's men this past Saturday temporarily moved City 13 points clear at the summit.
Liverpool reduced that deficit 24 hours later when they defeated plucky Brentford but, while they still have one game in hand, there is a growing sense that Guardiola will reign supreme in the Premier League for the fourth time in five seasons.
Euro 2020 winner and former City manager Roberto Mancini was also in the running for The Best accolade.
It was Tuchel who earned that prize, though, and he also seemingly gave up dwindling hope of a title race when he appeared at the FIFA ceremony via video link.
He said: "It was a pretty normal day so far at the training centre.
"I've just come from training because we have a game tomorrow, but now you opened my envelope and said my name, so it's pretty surreal and I'm overwhelmed. I feel a little bit uncomfortable, actually. I enjoy the journey and I enjoy the club. At the moment, this is a good fit.
Do you think Guardiola should have won? Have your say in the comments section below.
"We've lost a bit of ground to Manchester City in the league but in any other competitions, we still follow our goals.
"We try to be the best version of ourselves and compete on the highest level."
Sign up to our City newsletter so you never miss an update from the Etihad Stadium this season.
