Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel capitalized on the club’s missed opportunities in their 1-1 draw at home against Man United on Thursday night.
The Blues put in an impressive display at Old Trafford but were only able to get one point, yet bring them closer to winning a place in the Champions League.
Marcos Alonso’s opener in the second half was called off by Cristiano Ronaldo a few minutes later, and neither team was able to find the winner.
“I feel a little disappointed,” the German coach said after the match.
“We were very strong on and off the ball. Very in control. A lot of wins with the ball, a lot of shots, a lot of half chances, a lot of space around the penalty area, but unfortunately we lacked accuracy and determination in the penalty area to finish it off.
“When we had [the lead], we gave him away a minute later, so he started again, but the reaction was good. I am very happy with the performance. It was a huge team effort and we showed what we need to win in a big stadium on a big stage, on the level of focus, on the level of physical input.
“We were very flexible, very confident. I was happy with the way we played. We found enough moments to accelerate to take advantage of more. I felt a little was missing in the last 16 yards of the field to be more decisive earlier,” he added.
Tuchel was asked if the team’s incompetence in the last third was the main reason behind the Blues’ falling behind Liverpool and Manchester City in the league this season.
He replied, “I don’t think so.” “When I see the way Reece James played and know that we’ve been missing him for 12 weeks, I am very touched because we are still in the top three, so close to the Champions League semi-finals, and to the cup finals. The quality that was missing.
“Today Mateo Kovacic was missing, same with Ben Chilwell, and that’s the story of this season. The big difference is that Manchester City and Liverpool have full squads available, and we’ve struggled during the season, the Covid period, long-term injuries, and that’s more decisive than anything else. , “
Chelsea is third in the standings with 66 points, six ahead of fourth-placed Arsenal with five games remaining.
