Chelsea news: Thomas Tuchel praises 'mentality and commitment' in Southampton thrashing
Chelsea celebrate scoring vs Southampton, Premier League
Chelsea responded to losses against Brentford and Real Madrid by demolishing Southampton 6-0 on Saturday afternoon to tighten their grip on third place in the Premier League.
Not only have Chelsea had to deal with drama off the pitch this season, but pressure was starting to ramp up on Thomas Tuchel's squad this week after back-to-back losses against Brentford and Real Madrid.
A second half capitulation against Brentford last week suggested that the Blues were starting to feel the effect of the ownership problems around Stamford Bridge, and a 3-1 loss midweek to Real Madrid only made matters worse.
However, in a spirited display, Chelsea put Southampton to the sword on Saturday afternoon, firing six past the Saints with Mason Mount and Timo Werner both netting a brace.
With Tottenham and Arsenal beginning to close in on Chelsea, a much-needed three points means they stay third and five points clear of Spurs in fourth.
We've got super Tommy Tuchel. ? pic.twitter.com/UJzZ3smgP9
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 9, 2022
Tuchel was understandably elated with his side's performance, and in particular praised their "mentality and commitment" after full-time.
"It was a very good performance offensive-wise but also defensive-wise," said Tuchel.
"It's not only a possession game against Southampton, it's about winning the duels, accepting the physicality.
"There was a good mix in all areas of the pitch, in mentality and commitment: it was very, very good."
Tuchel also reserved praise for Werner, who has struggled for form since moving to London from Leipzig back in 2020.
Two goals each today! ? pic.twitter.com/KVeCRHGDkr
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 9, 2022
However, the German forward looked full of confidence against the Saints, and Tuchel praised the 26-year-old, labelling him an "important player".
"Timo was playing in his favourite position, and he loves to play with Mason Mount, Kai Havertz and Mateo Kovacic," said Tuchel.
"He has a connection to these players. He loves the double striker position, the half left position.
"It was an opponent where we could imagine we'd find spaces in behind because it was a higher attacking opponent.
"Everything was set out for him to deliver, honestly.
"It was for him to show that he's still an important player for this group and that's exactly what he did. It was necessary, strong but necessary."
