Thomas Tuchel has admitted Chelsea’s Premier League title race could possibly be over if the Blues lose at “benchmark” membership Manchester Metropolis on Saturday.
Chelsea path Pep Guardiola’s Metropolis by 10 factors heading into the weekend’s Etihad Stadium conflict, with Andreas Christensen the Blues’ newest COVID-19 absentee.
Second-placed Chelsea toppled Metropolis 1-0 in Porto in Could to win the Champions League, however Blues boss Tuchel admitted Guardiola’s males are nonetheless the most effective in England.
Metropolis have gained 11 Premier League matches on the spin, whereas second-placed Chelsea have solely misplaced as soon as in 15 however have additionally drawn six matches in that stint.
Requested if defeat at Metropolis would finish Chelsea’s title problem, Tuchel replied: “Possibly, possibly, who is aware of?
“The largest distinction thus far within the season, so far as I am involved, is that they dealt higher with accidents and the COVID scenario.
“Possibly it is luck, possibly they do it higher, no matter, however they’ve much less accidents from key gamers, much less gamers out and fewer weeks the place they miss them.
“And they didn’t undergo from COVID as we did over many weeks. So this can be a large distinction.
“As a result of we had some attracts within the season that had been pointless, and you probably have the total squad you create a sure ambiance that pushes everyone to the sting.
“And it is advisable to be in your edge and on the very highest stage if you wish to compete with Man Metropolis.
“They’re the benchmark, they’re the most effective workforce in England proper now. That is one thing we’ve got to confess realistically.
“I am all the time in for a great battle, however I am additionally all the time very practical.”