Craig Burley has warned Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel that his side now need to win the FA Cup this season.
Chelsea, who face Crystal Palace on Sunday in the FA Cup semi-finals, are still in the hunt for silverware this year.
The Blues look comfortably sat third in the Premier League table, with the gap to the top two to big to bridge at this point. Also, they were knocked out in the Champions League quarter-finals this week after a thriller away to Real Madrid.
Tuchel’s side did win the Super Cup and Club World Cup earlier this season, but there’s been no success in any of the annual competitions they are in.
Chelsea were beaten by Liverpool on penalties in the Carabao Cup, so this group are definitely on the cusp of winning more.
ESPN pundit Burley suggests there’s now a little bit of pressure on 48-year-old Tuchel to get his side over the line in the FA Cup, If they win their semi-final, they’ll face the winners of Manchester City and Liverpool in the final.
“Chelsea’s record in the FA Cup in the last 20 years is terrific. It’s a competition that I think Tuchel needs now because of his position in the league and out of the Champions League. If they play well, and they’re clinical up front, they’re probably going to win this game,” Burley told ESPN.
Chelsea favourite Tuchel deserves huge credit in the bank
For certain, Tuchel’s role shouldn’t be anywhere near under threat.
The German coach has become one of the most popular Chelsea managers in recent times with supporters, who are now watching their side compete with some of the very best.
He’s done superbly well steering the ship during unusual circumstances surrounding the takeover saga.
There’s no doubt new ownership should invest in Tuchel to help him continue building this squad because he’s got the potential to achieve something special with them.
Yes, the FA Cup is now the priority for Tuchel and this Chelsea side. It’s be-all and end-all, though.
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