Pat Nevin was pleasantly taken aback by how jolly Olivier Giroud was before the Atletico Madrid tie despite starting as a substitute for Chelsea, writing in his weekly column.
In fact, Giroud didn’t feature at all as the Blues ran out 2-0 winners.
But the Frenchman’s non-inclusion didn’t prevent him from being cheerful in the pre-match warm-up.
Nevin observed this positive attitude, saying: “I watched Olivier Giroud warming up for that same game, smiling, laughing and joking with everyone even though he wasn’t in the starting line-up.
“I am sure he wanted to being the starting 11, and maybe even expected to be.
“I know I expected him to start, but even so there he was benched before the most important game of the season, still looking happy, positive and keeping his team-mates’ spirits up as well as his own.”
It gives a good indication of how Thomas Tuchel has transformed the atmosphere around Chelsea.
There is a clear sense of togetherness that was not quite so apparent under Frank Lampard.
Where the Blues once looked like a group of talented individuals, they now appear to be a tight nit unit thanks to Tuchel’s introduction.
They have benefitted from the German coach’s constant rotation, meaning no player feels left out.
Everyone has been given a fair crack of the whip, especially those who looked dead and buried by Lampard.
This change in attitude is reflected upon Chelsea’s results.
13 games unbeaten and just two goals conceded is no fluke.
All members seem to be pulling in the right direction. That direction is currently up for Tuchel’s team.
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