Thomas Tuchel lauds Chelsea’s ‘amazing achievement’ after handing Juventus their biggest EVER Champions League defeat, insisting mix of academy stars and players from abroad make Blues ‘special’
Thomas Tuchel insisted his players will keep their feet on the ground after they marked his 50th match in charge of Chelsea by blowing away Juventus.
Chelsea brought up Tuchel’s half century in style, sending Juventus to their biggest ever Champions League defeat.
It was a statement of intent victory from holders Chelsea and warning to the rest of Europe that they will be major contenders for the continent’s biggest trophy once again.
Thomas Tuchel saw his Chelsea side beat Juventus 4-0 in his 50th match in charge
The Blues ran riot at Stamford Bridge to see off the Italian giants in the Champions League tie
The thumping victory saw them leapfrog Juventus to go top of Group H and leave them in pole position to be seeded in the last-16.
Tuchel said: ‘It was a very nice match to be a 50th match. What an effort, what an attitude.
‘To score so many goals against a team who defend so well is an amazing achievement. It’s important now to enjoy it, not get carried away but enjoy it.
Callum Hudson-Odoi celebrates scoring the Blues’ third goal in a commanding performance
‘Wednesday is a day off and they fully deserve it and then from Thursday we will prepare for the next match. We will keep the feet on the ground but it was a very strong match of course.’
Chelsea’s first three goals were scored by academy graduates Trevoh Chalobah, Reece James and Callum Hudson-Odoi before Timo Werner added a late fourth.
Tuchel said: ‘This is what makes team special. Not only the superstars and best players from abroad which we also have in our squad but it’s the mix.
Defender Trevoh Chalobah was man of the match on his first Champions League start
Chalobah and Mason Mount have been impressive players from the academy in recent times
‘To have talented, humble guys from the academy full of quality and it’s their biggest dream to perform in Stamford Bridge, to perform in Blue, be part of a strong Chelsea team this is so nice to be part of it. It’s another excellent day for the academy.’
Knee injuries to Ben Chilwell and N’Golo Kante ahead of Sunday’s clash with Manchester United took some of the shine off a memorable night for Chelsea.
On Chilwell, who limped off in the second half, Tuchel said: ‘It worries me because he was in such a fantastic moment like Reece on the other side.
Tuchel is hopeful that a twisted knee for N’Golo Kante will not keep him out for too long
‘They were in the best shape they could possibly be, so strong, full of confidence and such a lot of quality.
‘He was in a lot of pain, now he feels a lot better. We have an examination tomorrow to be more precise. We hope for the best, hopefully we get away fingers crossed with not too bad news.’
On Kante who was taken off in the first half, Tuchel added: ‘He got stronger and stronger in the first half and then twisted his knee a little bit so hopefully it’s not too bad.’