Tuchel praises Chelsea player who was able to physically compete with Sergio Ramos

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Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel said he is delighted with Kai Havertz’s development, particularly with his physical presence in the Real Madrid win.

There were certainly some raised eyebrows when Christian Pulisic’s name was not in the starting line-up for the second-leg match.

Even Pulisic himself could not hide his frustration about the decision after the game.

In a pre-match interview, Tuchel clarified that he opted for Havertz because he would give the team more height in set-piece siutuations and help the team hold the ball up front.

The 21-year-old might even have exceeded the manager’s expectations. He did not only contest more duels (20) than any other Chelsea player but actually competed with Real Madrid defenders physically.

“I was very happy with his reaction to the demands [in the second leg] against Real Madrid,” Tuchel told Chelsea TV.

“That was a step [forward] for him, I think, in his development.

“To use his body against Nacho, [Eder] Militao, and Sergio Ramos. To use his physicality and his skills to step up. [And] to be fully exhausted at half-time and full-time.”

It is hardly a surprise that he was exhausted given he actually travelled more distance than even N’Golo Kante in that game — which certainly left Chelsea legend Pat Nevin in awe.

Havertz doubted himself, says Tuchel

However, for Havertz, his first season at Stamford Bridge has not been as smooth as he initially expected.

Tuchel admitted that he had a conversation with the versatile midfielder who had a tough time mentally.

“This is the challenge that he chose. I think he’s done everything right, even to choose the challenge to be here [at Chelsea],” he explained.

“I told him before when he was injured, not in his best shape, and he was doubting [himself] a bit, ‘You did the right thing, you stepped out of your comfort zone, went abroad during a tough time.’

“Especially for him, I think it’s the best that could happen because he’s full of talent and playing in a league and a club that don’t allow you to rest.”