Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel is pleased his side delivered an “expected” win against Malmo on Tuesday evening.
Hakim Ziyech scored the only goal of the game as the European champions won 1-0 in Sweden to apply some pressure on Group H leaders Juventus.
The Blues were not quite at their best on the night, but getting the victory was the most important thing.
Antonio Conte by the numbers: Games, trophies, signings…
“We needed the result, we expected the result, we delivered,” Tuchel said (quotes via football.london).
“We wanted to increase the intensity level in the second half. We were able to use this one moment, this position, then be clinical enough to score and then we had enough chances for a second one.
“The control was on our side. We did not suffer through difficult situations in our box, we never lost concentration.”
Mood. pic.twitter.com/NnRbLgZWVH
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) November 2, 2021
On the match-winner, Ziyech, Tuchel said: “Still I think there is space to improve for him in decision making.
“We always rely on his workrate against the ball. This is also a huge part of his performances. He can still be more clinical. He is not still 100 per cent free as he should be, the players love their freedom in their movement but I am happy for him and for Callum.”
Ruben Loftus-Cheek made his first Champions League start for Chelsea in six years, putting in a stellar midfield performance next to Jorginho.
“I think we can give him credit to find his way in the match. He fought his way through. Maybe this was symbolic for him that he didn’t disappear. He wants to dominate opponents. He is too talented to just be a part of the group. He needs to use his talent,” the German boss said on Loftus-Cheek.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid star Eden Hazard “will not leave” the club during the winter transfer window, despite links of a move to Chelsea or Newcastle, according to reports.
This is according to Spanish outlet Marca, who are reporting that Hazard “will not leave” Madrid during the upcoming January transfer window.
They add that his “goal is to play for Real Madrid” at the moment. It is also stated that the Belgian winger “does not have a bad relationship” with manager Carlo Ancelotti.
The post Tuchel happy to get ‘expected’ win against Malmo appeared first on Football365.