Micah Richards admitted he would have to be considerate to Chelsea supporters following his failed prediction about Thomas Tuchel.
Speaking on the BBC Monday Night Club, Richards accepted that his previous claim about Tuchel struggling to win silverware had since been proved extremely wrong.
The German collected his third title in just over a year as Chelsea’s coach last Saturday.
His side left it late on the weekend to clinch the Club World Cup from Palmeiras’ grasp.
Kai Havertz tucked away a penalty in the 117th minute, after Romelu Lukaku’s second-half strike had been cancelled out by Raphael Viega’s own spot-kick.
Tuchel can now add global glory to his European success.
With a mere four months under his belt at Stamford Bridge, he defeated Manchester City in last season’s Champions League final.
He then watched on as his team picked up the UEFA Super Cup by defeating Villareal via a shoot-out from 12 yards.
In 12 days, the Carabao Cup could also be heading back to South West London, as the Blues take on Liverpool at Wembley.
Richards apologises to Tuchel
Roman Abramovich’s model of rotating the man in the dugout has proved successful again.
Chelsea supporters will be hoping Tuchel can last a little longer than any of his recent predecessors.
Winning the Club World Cup – the final piece of the trophy jigsaw – should put some major credit in the bank.
Some suggested that the tournament in Abu Dhabi didn’t deserve the recognition it received from those taking part.
Yet, for Tuchel and his players, being triumphant certainly meant a great deal.
“When he (Abramovich) changes managers they win something, so when we talk about playing it down, they shouldn’t play down any trophy that they get because from where they started to where they are now, they are an established club with some great players,” said Richards.
“The fans are still on to me about me saying I don’t think Tuchel will win anything, so I think I’ve got to be nice to Chelsea fans from now on.
“But if you look at what they have done and what they have created there, it’s been nothing short of outstanding there.”
Chances keep on coming for Chelsea
Chelsea could well end the campaign as victors in five separate competitions.
Including the Club World Cup, Super Cup and possibly the Carabao Cup, the Blues are still fighting in the FA Cup and Champions League.
Perhaps sadly for Tuchel, though, the prize Abramovich really wants is the Premier League.
This seems unattainable now, thanks to Manchester City’s nine-point buffer at the top of the table.
With any luck, the Russian owner will turn his attention away from England’s major honour just this once to give Tuchel another opportunity next term.
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