Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel tests positive for Covid-19 ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup
According to the official Chelsea website, Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has contracted Covid-19 ahead of their FIFA Club World Cup journey.
The Blues have already secured their place in the final of the EFL Cup. They managed to scrape through their latest FA Cup fixture against Plymouth Argyle courtesy of heroics from Marcos Alonso and Kepa Arrizabalaga. The West London club have struggled to maintain their consistency in the Premier League over the last few fixtures and a crowded schedule along with a list of injuries has added even more obstacles to their pursuit of silverware.
The pandemic took a toll on several professionals throughout different industries and the Premier League also took a tremendous hit. Whilst the League seems to be resuming its normal functioning the threat of Covid hasn’t entirely disappeared. Tuchel has now contracted the deadly virus and could be forced to sit out the upcoming semi-final of the FIFA Club World Cup.
Assistant coach Arno Michels gave a statement regarding Thomas Tuchel and his current situation ahead of the pivotal match. This is the Blues second-ever trip to the tournament and they will be hopeful of returning as the world club champions.
“He was fully in charge throughout the whole week with the preparation for the game so he knows exactly what’s going on today,’ he said. We will stay in touch with him during the game as well so it’s all good.”
What could this mean for Thomas Tuchel and Chelsea?
The Stamford Bridge outfit has shown consistent results since the former Borussia Dortmund manager replaced Frank Lampard at the helm. The 48-year-old manager has been instrumental in our recent success and led the West London club to the UEFA Champions League as well as the UEFA Super Cup last year.
His tactical prowess has been built on a solid defensive base that propagates a fluid attacking style of football. His presence on the touchline has been an instigating factor and his potential absence for the upcoming fixture could be a big blow for the Blues.
A manager plays a pivotal role on the touchline and helps guide the team forward in case they struggle to get going on the day. Tuchel certainly does that and while his influence runs through the squad, his inability to be there in person could throw a dagger in the works.
Chelsea will face either AFC Champions League winners UAE Pro League winners Al Hilal or Al Jazira in the semifinals of the competition. Should they make it to the showpiece event, the Blues could be up against either Copa Libertadores champions Palmeiras or CAF Champions League winners Al Ahly.
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It seems highly unlikely that Thomas Tuchel will be able to make it in time to manage for the semi-final of the Club World Cup. However, fans would be hoping that the club could put forth a spirited performance even if the German manager isn’t present on the touchline.
The Stamford Bridge outfit would be looking to inch another step closer to a piece of silverware. Securing the club’s first world title will certainly be a massive boost for Chelsea heading into the Carabao Cup final and the business end of the season.