Fulham defender Kenny Tete has claimed to The Athletic that he was desperate for a break at times after facing Chelsea last week.
The full-back came up against an array of attacking talent at Stamford Bridge, none more threatening than Mykhailo Mudryk making his first start.
The former Shakhtar Donetsk man had impressed off the bench in a cameo appearance at Anfield the week before.
However, he looked to be showing signs that he was under the weather, an illness confirmed by manager Graham Potter after the game.
Tete also had the challenge of facing Noni Madueke and Raheem Sterling at times in the second half. Despite the talent on the pitch, the Blues didn’t break through.
Despite the clean sheet on paper, the defender has claimed that it was an extremely tough evening.
Mudryk a challenge for Tete
He said: “It was a heavy game for me. At some points, I was just like, ‘Let me have a break!’
“When you play Chelsea, you are always motivated. You know they have a lot of signings. You know you are going to play against expensive players.
“I had it before, in France, against Neymar. I had that experience. I just had to be calm and do what I had to do.”
“To stop someone gives me a good feeling. I’m a defender. I have to stop attackers.”
Mudryk will be hoping to be back to 100% for the London derby against West Ham this weekend.
With the Blues the benefactors of a new lease of life off the back of a big January transfer window, there is a hope they can return to winning ways after two consecutive goalless draws.
While it is unclear who will start on the wings, there may be a return to the starting line-up for Raheem Sterling following his injury.
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