Thomas Tuchel has revealed that he cancelled Chelsea’s planned day off to hold clear-the-air talks following the Blues’ late collapse against Wolves on Saturday.
Tuchel’s side were 2-0 up with 11 minutes of normal time to play courtesy of a Romelu Lukaku brace. However, Francisco Trincao’s goal set up a nervy finish before Conor Coady netted in the 97th minute to earn Wolves a point.
Speaking before his side’s trip to Leeds on Wednesday evening, Tuchel admitted that the squad had a much-needed team meeting to dissect the result on what should have been a rest day.
“We planned a free day but after the disappointment it was not to punish them,” he said. “Maybe some felt it was a punishment. It wasn’t. It was not the moment for a free day; it is better to be together and talk about it. We did very light training, had a run together and discussed things.
“I think most of them expected a 30-minute team talk and then to watch the game again. Once they understood why they were here I get the feeling most of them accepted it and even looked up for it because there was an Under-23 game at one o’clock and I think two-thirds of the team stayed and watched it.
“Nobody was getting in their car and getting away as early as possible. They take their responsibility – that is what I love about the team. It’s not like they arrived here with closed faces.”
Tuchel will be eager for his side to bounce back at Elland Road. Chelsea remain third for the time being but fifth-placed Tottenham are just five points adrift.
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