Thomas Tuchel has been left to rue his decision to drop Mateo Kovacic in Chelsea’s Champions League quarter-final clash against Real Madrid. The 27-year-old, who despite his spritely displays this season, was relegated to the bench and made way for a double pivot of N’Golo Kante and Jorginho.
Thomas Tuchel said: “He looks like a wonderkid in training, in some exercises. He’s a fantastic character, a lovely person, a humble guy interested in sport, and so happy to train and deliver for the team. I was following his career, and you could see there was a next step coming, and I was sure he had what it takes to make it. I’m so happy to have him, and he’s crucial to us both on and off the pitch in the way he behaves. Brought up as a team player, knows what it takes, what culture is needed in a big club.”
And, for many, Tuchel’s comments suggested that the Croatian would start for Chelsea ahead of what was a highly anticipated clash. But, to Blues fans’ dismay, Kovacic was dropped.
