Thomas Tuchel raves over Hakim Ziyech’s performance in FA Cup semi-final victory

Thomas Tuchel raves over Hakim Ziyech’s performance in FA Cup semi-final victory

Ziyech and Thomas Tuchel

Chelsea pulled off a 1-0 victory against premier League Champions elect Manchester City in the semi-finals of the FA Cup. Hakim Ziyech scored the only goal of the match which took Chelsea into their 4th FA Cup final in the last 5 years.

Thomas Tuchel sounded a proud manager after the victory as he praised his side’s solidarity and work ethic going into the semi-final match. Chelsea scored from a counter attack as Ben Chilwell sent Timo Werner down the line and the German forward pulled it back for Ziyech who made no mistake from close range.

Tuchel was delighted and proud of Chelsea’s performance against one of the best teams in Europe

“I’m very happy and proud of our performance. We deserved to win against the best manager and one of the best teams,” said Tuchel. 

“Hakim was very strong against Liverpool and Atletico in the Champions League, but sometimes we have had a different approach with more runners while he is more a dribbler, a passer, a guy who turns in the pockets.“

“Decisions are never personal — sometimes it is the players’ characteristics. He showed me he is ready when he has come off the bench, and from what I saw in training. That is the most important thing.“

Since Tuchel’s first game in charge in January, no side in the top five European leagues have kept more than the Blues’ 14 clean sheets in all competitions. It is just two defeats in 19 games, with Tuchel becoming the first ever German manager to reach the FA Cup final.

Ziyech and Werner the 2 architects of Chelseas goal against City
Ziyech and Werner, the 2 key architects of Chelsea’s goal against City

Chelsea boss however, urged his players to continue the recent momentum into the final stretch of the season and give it their all to win the FA Cup and the Champions league.

“Now come the crucial weeks and nobody can rest on what we have done. We have to keep on going — everybody who is on the pitch needs to deserve to be there and when you are on the pitch, you must play your part 100 per cent and show that you are reliable.“

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