Thomas Tuchel has led Chelsea to the FA Cup and Champions League finals and up to fourth in the Premier League since arriving at the club in January. Reuters
Thomas Tuchel has led Chelsea to the FA Cup and Champions League finals and up to fourth in the Premier League since arriving at the club in January. Reuters
Thomas Tuchel has led Chelsea to the FA Cup and Champions League finals and up to fourth in the Premier League since arriving at the club in January. Reuters
Thomas Tuchel has led Chelsea to the FA Cup and Champions League finals and up to fourth in the Premier League since arriving at the club in January. Reuters

Football

Thomas Tuchel has 'no reason to doubt' Chelsea players ahead of season run-in

Blues face three pivotal games this month, including the Champions League final

Jon Turner

May 17, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel insists he has "no reason to doubt" his players after consecutive defeats put their hopes of a successful season under increased pressure.

Chelsea have been revived since Tuchel replaced Frank Lampard in January, leading the club from 10th to fourth in the Premier League and into the finals of the FA Cup and Champions League.

However, a loss to Leicester City at Wembley on Saturday has seen the first attempt at silverware come and go, while a home loss to Arsenal - combined with wins for Liverpool - means the Blues only hold a one-point advantage over the Reds in the race for the top four with two games remaining.

Chelsea have the chance to gain a measure of revenge against third-placed Leicester when they meet in the league on Tuesday. A win will move Tuchel's side above the Foxes, but a draw or defeat will open the door for Liverpool, who play Burnley on Wednesday, to replace them in fourth.

Chelsea then face Aston Villa in their final game of the season on Sunday before taking on league champions Manchester City in the Champions League final on May 29.

With the pressure on, Tuchel has said he has full faith in his players and has urged them to embrace the challenge.

"This is a strong group," Tuchel told the Chelsea website. "There is no reason to doubt these players, who have done so well to get into the top four from 10th place, to reach the FA Cup final and to be in the final of the Champions League.

"We are strong enough to handle these situations and these are the challenges that we face.

"It's not easy, but it is fun, and there are a lot of teams chasing us and our situation."

_________________

Chelsea v Leicester: FA Cup final ratings

CHELSEA RATINGS: Kepa Arrizabalaga – 6. Swept cleverly to clear following a rapid Leicester break early in the second half. Could only wave despairingly at Tielemans’ inch-perfect shot (no match photo available). Getty Images
CHELSEA RATINGS: Kepa Arrizabalaga – 6. Swept cleverly to clear following a rapid Leicester break early in the second half. Could only wave despairingly at Tielemans’ inch-perfect shot (no match photo available). Getty Images
Cesar Azpilicueta – 5. Played outside and ahead of James, but posed little of the attacking threat his younger colleague normally does. Wasted his best chances to cross – and Leicester scored from the ensuing attack. Reuters
Cesar Azpilicueta – 5. Played outside and ahead of James, but posed little of the attacking threat his younger colleague normally does. Wasted his best chances to cross – and Leicester scored from the ensuing attack. Reuters
Thiago Silva – 8. Showed the silky touch of a No 10, rather than a centre half, to set up a chance that Werner flicked wide. Thought he had set up the equaliser for Chilwell, only for VAR to rule it was offside. AFP
Thiago Silva – 8. Showed the silky touch of a No 10, rather than a centre half, to set up a chance that Werner flicked wide. Thought he had set up the equaliser for Chilwell, only for VAR to rule it was offside. AFP
Antonio Rudiger – 6. Underemployed in defence, which gave him the chance to maraud forward, but he was too often wasteful when he did so. PA
Antonio Rudiger – 6. Underemployed in defence, which gave him the chance to maraud forward, but he was too often wasteful when he did so. PA
Reece James – 7. He might have been detailed to combat Vardy’s pace in defence, but he still managed to contribute to the forward effort at times. Reuters
Reece James – 7. He might have been detailed to combat Vardy’s pace in defence, but he still managed to contribute to the forward effort at times. Reuters
N’Golo Kante – 9. Against the side he made his name with, he was a class apart from all of his present colleagues. Entirely ubiquitous from start to finish. Reuters
N’Golo Kante – 9. Against the side he made his name with, he was a class apart from all of his present colleagues. Entirely ubiquitous from start to finish. Reuters
Jorginho – 6. Chelsea led the possession stats, which was much down to the Italian, but his use of it was seldom threatening. Replaced by Havertz as Chelsea chased the game. Reuters
Jorginho – 6. Chelsea led the possession stats, which was much down to the Italian, but his use of it was seldom threatening. Replaced by Havertz as Chelsea chased the game. Reuters
Marcos Alonso – 5. A nonentity in a defensive capacity, and a tame header was his only contribution of note going forward. Subbed off after his side went behind. Reuters
Marcos Alonso – 5. A nonentity in a defensive capacity, and a tame header was his only contribution of note going forward. Subbed off after his side went behind. Reuters
Hakim Ziyech – 5. A pale shadow of his usual self, as he rarely threatened anything of any significance before making way for Pulisic. AP
Hakim Ziyech – 5. A pale shadow of his usual self, as he rarely threatened anything of any significance before making way for Pulisic. AP
Mason Mount – 7. Prominent as Chelsea dominated possession early on, and showed some eye-catching, deft touches. Denied a leveller by Schmeichel’s brilliance. Reuters
Mason Mount – 7. Prominent as Chelsea dominated possession early on, and showed some eye-catching, deft touches. Denied a leveller by Schmeichel’s brilliance. Reuters
Timo Werner – 7. The most threatening of Chelsea’s forwards, either side of being booked for a clumsy challenge on Thomas. AP
Timo Werner – 7. The most threatening of Chelsea’s forwards, either side of being booked for a clumsy challenge on Thomas. AP
SUBS: Christian Pulisic – 6. Introduced in the second half as the Blues chased the game, but had little impact in the time he was on. AP
SUBS: Christian Pulisic – 6. Introduced in the second half as the Blues chased the game, but had little impact in the time he was on. AP
Ben Chilwell – 7. Greeted with a cacophony of boos by the fans of his former club. Nearly avenged the jeers when he headed onto a post, and had the ball in the goal – only to be denied by VAR. Reuters
Ben Chilwell – 7. Greeted with a cacophony of boos by the fans of his former club. Nearly avenged the jeers when he headed onto a post, and had the ball in the goal – only to be denied by VAR. Reuters
Kai Havertz – NA. No chance to influence the game after he was introduced with 15 minutes left. EPA
Kai Havertz – NA. No chance to influence the game after he was introduced with 15 minutes left. EPA
Callum Hudson-Odoi – NA. Barely spotted after he was brought on with Chelsea a goal behind and time ticking away. AFP
Callum Hudson-Odoi – NA. Barely spotted after he was brought on with Chelsea a goal behind and time ticking away. AFP
Olivier Giroud – NA. Given his pedigree and his aerial prowess, it was a surprise his introduction to the fray was left to the 82nd minute (no match photo available). AFP
Olivier Giroud – NA. Given his pedigree and his aerial prowess, it was a surprise his introduction to the fray was left to the 82nd minute (no match photo available). AFP
LEICESTER CITY RATINGS: Kasper Schmeichel – 9. Maintained his side’s lead with a brilliant fingertip save from a header by his former teammate Chilwell. His later save from Mount’s drive was even better. PA
LEICESTER CITY RATINGS: Kasper Schmeichel – 9. Maintained his side’s lead with a brilliant fingertip save from a header by his former teammate Chilwell. His later save from Mount’s drive was even better. PA
Wesley Fofana – 9. His crunching early tackle on Alonso roused the Leicester support. Saw yellow later in the half for a late challenge, but made a brilliant block to thwart Werner straight after. AFP
Wesley Fofana – 9. His crunching early tackle on Alonso roused the Leicester support. Saw yellow later in the half for a late challenge, but made a brilliant block to thwart Werner straight after. AFP
Jonny Evans – 6. Cut a distraught figure as he was forced to limp from the field injured after half an hour, with the Foxes faithful singing his name. Reuters
Jonny Evans – 6. Cut a distraught figure as he was forced to limp from the field injured after half an hour, with the Foxes faithful singing his name. Reuters
Caglar Soyuncu – 7. Headed over when well placed from a Tielemans free kick. Seemed disorientated by Mount’s movement early on, but managed to keep his head. PA
Caglar Soyuncu – 7. Headed over when well placed from a Tielemans free kick. Seemed disorientated by Mount’s movement early on, but managed to keep his head. PA
Timothy Castagne – 8. Beat Alonso for pace and found Vardy with a cross, but was shunted into the back three because of Evans’ injury shortly after. He coped admirably. AP
Timothy Castagne – 8. Beat Alonso for pace and found Vardy with a cross, but was shunted into the back three because of Evans’ injury shortly after. He coped admirably. AP
Youri Tielemans – 9.5. One of the great FA Cup final goals capped an outstanding display. The Belgian’s fine array of passing meant Leicester were a threat even if their possession count was lower. AFP
Youri Tielemans – 9.5. One of the great FA Cup final goals capped an outstanding display. The Belgian’s fine array of passing meant Leicester were a threat even if their possession count was lower. AFP
Wilfred Ndidi – 7. Maybe he was overshadowed in his personal battle with the man he replaced in Leicester’s engine room – Kante – but he still did plenty enough to help the collective effort. PA
Wilfred Ndidi – 7. Maybe he was overshadowed in his personal battle with the man he replaced in Leicester’s engine room – Kante – but he still did plenty enough to help the collective effort. PA
Luke Thomas – 8. What a week for the 19-year-old fill back. A goal at Old Trafford, then an FA Cup- winner’s medal. Earned himself a headache for his troubles. Reuters
Luke Thomas – 8. What a week for the 19-year-old fill back. A goal at Old Trafford, then an FA Cup- winner’s medal. Earned himself a headache for his troubles. Reuters
Ayoze Perez – 6. Got through plenty of running, but most of it was tracking the opposition rather than constructing anything of note in the attacking third. AP
Ayoze Perez – 6. Got through plenty of running, but most of it was tracking the opposition rather than constructing anything of note in the attacking third. AP
Jamie Vardy – 8. The beating heart of his club. Might not have threatened much himself, but vitally meant James had little forward impact. Roused the crowd, and started the party. Getty Images
Jamie Vardy – 8. The beating heart of his club. Might not have threatened much himself, but vitally meant James had little forward impact. Roused the crowd, and started the party. Getty Images
Kelechi Iheanacho – 6. Attempted one probing through ball in the first half, but was mostly starved of possession by Rudiger. Looked emotionally spent when he was replaced by Maddison. AFP
Kelechi Iheanacho – 6. Attempted one probing through ball in the first half, but was mostly starved of possession by Rudiger. Looked emotionally spent when he was replaced by Maddison. AFP
SUBS: Marc Albrighton – 6. On for the injured Evans. Played his side into trouble with a loose pass that put Werner through on goal. PA
SUBS: Marc Albrighton – 6. On for the injured Evans. Played his side into trouble with a loose pass that put Werner through on goal. PA
James Maddison – 7. Perhaps did not control possession in quite the way his manager would have wanted when he put him on, but did not shirk the running. EPA
James Maddison – 7. Perhaps did not control possession in quite the way his manager would have wanted when he put him on, but did not shirk the running. EPA
Wes Morgan – NA. His unexpected late cameo might have ended in a nightmare were it not for the intervention of VAR. As it was, it was another entry in his personal fairytale. PA
Wes Morgan – NA. His unexpected late cameo might have ended in a nightmare were it not for the intervention of VAR. As it was, it was another entry in his personal fairytale. PA
Hamza Choudhury – NA. Given eight minutes at the end when it was all hands to the pump for Leicester. EPA
Hamza Choudhury – NA. Given eight minutes at the end when it was all hands to the pump for Leicester. EPA

_________________

Central to Chelsea's resurgence, and to their hopes of a strong finish to the season, is midfielder Mason Mount.

The England international has been in fine form this season and was denied an equaliser in the FA Cup final by a spectacular save from Leicester keeper Kasper Schmeichel.

Tuchel reiterated Mount's importance to his team and expects him to play a major role in the final few games.

"We tried to give Mason a little break recently because he gave a lot in the Real Madrid games and he has been so decisive for us," Tuchel said.

"In the cup final, perhaps he could have played with a little more composure but don’t forget, if it wasn’t for an incredible save from Schmeichel, then he would have scored an equaliser.

"It wasn’t to be but Mason is always a dangerous player for us and we should be careful that we don’t over-expect from Mason.

"He is a key player for us in every match, he’s always so decisive and that will not change for the next three matches. He is absolutely key for us."

Jetour T1 specs

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NYBL PROFILE

Company name: Nybl 

Date started: November 2018

Founder: Noor Alnahhas, Michael LeTan, Hafsa Yazdni, Sufyaan Abdul Haseeb, Waleed Rifaat, Mohammed Shono

Based: Dubai, UAE

Sector: Software Technology / Artificial Intelligence

Initial investment: $500,000

Funding round: Series B (raising $5m)

Partners/Incubators: Dubai Future Accelerators Cohort 4, Dubai Future Accelerators Cohort 6, AI Venture Labs Cohort 1, Microsoft Scale-up 

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On Women's Day
THE APPRENTICE

Director: Ali Abbasi

Starring: Sebastian Stan, Maria Bakalova, Jeremy Strong

Rating: 3/5

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IF YOU GO

The flights

FlyDubai flies direct from Dubai to Skopje in five hours from Dh1,314 return including taxes. Hourly buses from Skopje to Ohrid take three hours.

The tours

English-speaking guided tours of Ohrid town and the surrounding area are organised by Cultura 365; these cost €90 (Dh386) for a one-day trip including driver and guide and €100 a day (Dh429) for two people. 

The hotels

Villa St Sofija in the old town of Ohrid, twin room from $54 (Dh198) a night.

St Naum Monastery, on the lake 30km south of Ohrid town, has updated its pilgrims' quarters into a modern 3-star hotel, with rooms overlooking the monastery courtyard and lake. Double room from $60 (Dh 220) a night.

 

Moon Music

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How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
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'Top Gun: Maverick'

Rating: 4/5

 

Directed by: Joseph Kosinski

 

Starring: Tom Cruise, Val Kilmer, Jennifer Connelly, Jon Hamm, Miles Teller, Glen Powell, Ed Harris

 
The specs

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From: Wimbledon, London, UK

Education: Medical doctor

Hobbies: Travelling, meeting new people and cultures 

Favourite animals: All of them 

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The candidates

Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive

Ali Azeem, business leader

Tony Booth, professor of education

Lord Browne, former BP chief executive

Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist

Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist

Dr Mark Mann, scientist

Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner

Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister

Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster

 

MATCH INFO

Manchester United 1 (Rashford 36')

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Man of the match: Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)

Panipat

Director Ashutosh Gowariker

Produced Ashutosh Gowariker, Rohit Shelatkar, Reliance Entertainment

Cast Arjun Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt, Kriti Sanon, Mohnish Behl, Padmini Kolhapure, Zeenat Aman

Rating 3 /5 stars

The Land between Two Rivers: Writing in an Age of Refugees
Tom Sleigh, Graywolf Press

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Director: Matty Brown

Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea

Rating: 2.5/5

Liverpool's all-time goalscorers

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Gordon Hodgson 241
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What is a rare disease?

A rare disease is classified as one that affects a small percentage of the population. More than 7,000 diseases are identified as rare and most are genetic in origin. More than 75 per cent of rare genetic diseases affect children. 

Collectively rare diseases affect 1 in 17 people, or more than 400 million people worldwide. Very few have any available treatment and most patients  struggle with numerous health challenges and life-long ailments that can go undiagnosed for years due to lack of awareness or testing.

Milestones on the road to union

1970

October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar. 

December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.

1971

March 1:  Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.

July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.

July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.

August 6:  The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.

August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.

September 3: Qatar becomes independent.

November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.

November 29:  At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.

November 30: Despite  a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa. 

November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties

December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.

December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.

Name: Peter Dicce

Title: Assistant dean of students and director of athletics

Favourite sport: soccer

Favourite team: Bayern Munich

Favourite player: Franz Beckenbauer

Favourite activity in Abu Dhabi: scuba diving in the Northern Emirates 

 

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Name: Zinah Madi

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Name: Razan Nabulsi

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Family: Married, Mother of Yahya, 3.5

Favourite Quote: A Chinese proverb that says: “Be not afraid of moving slowly, be afraid only of standing still.”

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Saturday, 10.45pm (UAE)
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The biog

Name: Salvador Toriano Jr

Age: 59

From: Laguna, The Philippines

Favourite dish: Seabass or Fish and Chips

Hobbies: When he’s not in the restaurant, he still likes to cook, along with walking and meeting up with friends.

The specs: 2018 Chevrolet Trailblazer

Price, base / as tested Dh99,000 / Dh132,000

Engine 3.6L V6

Transmission: Six-speed automatic

Power 275hp @ 6,000rpm

Torque 350Nm @ 3,700rpm

Fuel economy combined 12.2L / 100km

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