Irrespective of what happens in our final two league matches Chelsea’s position in the top four is guaranteed, but ahead of tonight’s meeting with Leicester Thomas Tuchel has explained why the Blues will be doing everything to finish the season on a high.
Newcastle’s victory over Arsenal on Monday night ensured the Gunners cannot catch us in third. Owing to our superior goal difference over Tottenham, we realistically only need a single point from tonight and Watford on Sunday to finish in third spot.
However, Tuchel has insisted this is no time to take our foot off the gas, nor unduly change his team selection for the sake of it.
‘The whole season we were in position one, two or three, so it’s not a good moment to start being in fourth now,’ he stressed.
‘We still have to play for us, for our demands and our fans, and most importantly what we expect of ourselves. We are very happy we have secured a top-four place, this is the first target at the start of the season, but it’s two home games and we will do everything to win them for our feeling, our supporters and for a positive end to the season.
‘The situation has changed slightly for us, we are safe in top four, we come from a big cup final and we have players who are out, and will be out next season, but everybody deserves to play,’ added the boss.
‘For example, Toni would deserve to play, no need to not give him the last matches, because he was huge for us. Let’s see how everybody feels, who is hungry to perform, and this will be the most decisive factor in the line-up.’
Having been our closest challengers for fourth place last term, Leicester have not reached the same heights this time around. They start the day in ninth, with no hope of making Europe again next season, but Tuchel remains wary of a potent outfit on its day.
‘They have found their form back, and scored a lot lately,’ he noted.
‘They have had a very up-and-down season, but at their top level they are dangerous team to everybody. They can hurt you in seconds with quality, speed, and a very attacking mindset.
‘We will prepare for the very best version of Leicester. We will need the best version of us to be competitive. I don’t want to predict the game because I don’t know what’s coming! We must be open for everything and hopefully we find answers to the questions that are asked.’