Thomas Tuchel has warned that Chelsea will 'hunt' Manchester City next season.
The chosen successor to Frank Lampard, the German arrived at Stamford Bridge in January and since then he's improved Chelsea's fortunes, with the London club steadily rising up the table, boasting an excellent defensive record since his appointment.
Chelsea have conceded just nine goals in all competitions across Tuchel's reign, and while their title charge prematurely ended this season, they'll be hoping to develop into a serious threat to City's Premier League defence next term.
Their progress will be tested this weekend, though, with Chelsea set to play City at Wembley in the FA Cup semi-final, and to add to the intrigue of the clash, Tuchel has never beaten Pep Guardiola in their five previous encounters.
Regardless of Guardiola seemingly having Tuchel's number, the Chelsea boss was optimistic about his team's chances on Friday, explaining to reporters that his side will 'hunt' City next campaign.
"We have to accept there is a gap between us and Manchester City. If you look at the fixtures in the last few years we have to accept it, but without making us feel too small," Tuchel said.
"From day one next season we will hunt them and try to close the game. In Europe, there are two teams that are the benchmark: Manchester City and Bayern Munich."
Chelsea are seeking to reach the FA Cup final for the fourth time in the last five seasons on Saturday, although on the back of their Champions League success in midweek, City will surely be confident of putting an end to that run.
