Chelsea take on Real Madrid in the Champions League and they go into this major game at the back of a humbling 4-1 loss to Brentford.
The Blues were the favourites to beat the Bees on Saturday, but in the end, they conceded three goals within just 10 minutes, that too right after the second half had begun. The loss also means that their third position on the Premier League table is no longer secure.
Overall, Chelsea played well but their manager has revealed that several of his players were fatigued due to the international break.
The manager told the press: ‘It was a tough start, which is not the first time it’s been like that after an international break, and it took us a while to find our rhythm and to find full control.
‘We lacked energy and we didn’t do the things that usually make us strong. We looked tired, physically and mentally tired. It’s a big challenge to play after the international break but you have to get your results right as the favourite and being at home. We didn’t do that well enough today.
‘I’m aware that my expectations were not too high for this match. It’s a challenge to play after an international break and as a favourite on top of it, to dictate the match and to break down a well-organised, physical team.
Chelsea vs. Brentford in an image 📸 pic.twitter.com/Unf2ZcoT72
— B/R Football (@brfootball) April 2, 2022
‘We were in the lead, in charge and I felt us better and better so I did not see that coming.’
Will fatigue be an issue against Real Madrid as well?
The first leg of the quarter-final will be played at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday and by that time, all the Chelsea players should have properly recovered from their national endeavours.
Chelsea have a relatively big squad so on paper Tuchel has plenty of scope for rotation but it’s Real Madrid we are talking about so the Blues boss will not even think of using the fringe players.
I've backed Timo Werner, and I'll continue to back him when he wears a Chelsea shirt, but today felt like the beginning of the end.
Think it's best for everyone if he gets a move elsewhere this summer. It's just not worked out. pic.twitter.com/vH3TpyLC8e
— Harry (@HarryCFC170) April 2, 2022
Also, Pulisic missed Saturday’s game due to a knock but he should be back for the 1st leg and that will be a big boost for Chelsea.
Apart from the fitness boost, Tuchel will also tinker with his formation and since his players are more apt at playing in a 3-4-2-1 formation, they will have a better chance of beating Real Madrid.
Many teams falter at matches right after the international break but a 4-1 will be a bit embarrassing since Real Madrid now know that picking apart Chelsea’s defence is not an impossible task.
