Manchester (AP) – After Chelsea’s narrow defeat at Premier League leaders Manchester City, Thomas Tuchel knew that the championship race was over for his blues.
And so there was a certain resignation in the words of the German coach. “We won’t give up,” he emphasized after the close 0-1 (0-0) win at the Etihad Stadium, “but if City keeps winning every game, nobody can catch them.” After twelve wins in a row and with a 13-point lead, defending champions Man City are currently uncatchable.
For Tuchel and his Blues, it should now be primarily about securing a place in the top four in order to qualify again for the Champions League. Third-placed Liverpool FC, who have played two games fewer, are lurking and could soon displace the Londoners from second place.
Chelsea coach only looks to the next game
Tuchel is not interested in such mind games. “Why should we look at Liverpool? Why should we even look anywhere?” he said a little annoyed when asked if he was even looking at Man City and Liverpool. “If you’ve listened carefully to everything I’ve said, you’ll know we’re looking at each other. I’m just thinking about (Chelsea’s away game at Brighton on) Tuesday. I don’t have time for other games or the table.”
Having won just one in their last six Premier League games, the Londoners are in desperate need of a sense of accomplishment. Chelsea had almost no chance against Man City. Kevin De Bruyne (70th minute) shot the superior Cityzens to victory. “I think we lost in a situation today because of our individual performance,” said Tuchel, referring to De Bruyne’s goal.
“Such a result can happen. We deserve a draw,” said Tuchel on BT Sport. “We could have scored more if we had played with better timing and more precision.” He was otherwise satisfied with the performance of his players, he said. “We’ve won games like that against City before.”
Guardiola speaks of a “deserved victory”
“Absolutely deserved” was the win for Man City, said Pep Guardiola. “We were fantastic,” enthused the City coach, who seemed strangely tense despite the important win. “We defended incredibly well. All the players gave their all.”
In fact, the champion was clearly the better team for long stretches of the top duel. And Chelsea, who started without Timo Werner and Kai Havertz, were too safe offensively. Romelu Lukaku had the best scoring opportunity in the second half. The Belgian failed with his shot at City keeper Ederson. “We could have had more chances,” complained Tuchel. “That bothers me.”
After the first half of the 22nd match day, Pep Guardiola didn’t want to know anything about a preliminary decision in the title race and practiced football phrases. “No one is champion in January,” said the former Bayern coach, who admitted that Chelsea were left behind for the time being. However, should Liverpool win against Brentford today and then the catch-up game against Leeds United, City’s lead would shrink to eight points, Guardiola warned. “Eight points in January are nothing!”
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