Chelsea coach Zsolt Low is confident his side can cope without Thomas Tuchel on the sidelines for Wednesday’s Club World Cup semi-final against Al Hilal.
Tuchel missed Saturday’s FA Cup fourth-round win against Plymouth Argyle after testing positive for coronavirus and could not fly out to Abu Dhabi.
The German will miss the clash with Asian champions Al Hilal, but he could return for a potential final against either Palmeiras or Al Ahly on Saturday.
Tuchel’s absences do not hinder Chelsea’s preparation. Low and Arno Michels fill in for the German manager.
Low said at a pre-match news conference on Tuesday.
“We are constantly in contact with Thomas. We’re using video calling all the time.
“We change our ideas a lot of times in the day. We have a good conversation to make it like he is here with us together.
“Petr Cech supports us well when Thomas is not here. We have an excellent medical staff team management. So we have a lot of support. And a lot of video calls with Thomas.
“He’ll support us as best he can and give us everyday preparation in meetings. Then, in the next days, there’s the possibility to talk to the team.”
Despite the four-hour time difference between London and the United Arab Emirates, Low says Tuchel is available at any time of the day.
Zsolt Low said:
“It’s not necessary for him to change the time zone. We have meetings with an alarm call.
“If we need him at 6 am, we need him at 6 am.
“We are training in the afternoon, so Thomas is already awake then anyway. In the hotel, it’s a bit easier for him to chat with the team because of the connection.
“Maybe here in the dressing room can be more difficult. We always have phone contact during the game so that Tuchel can analyse and translate to the team.
“Phone calls and messages aren’t Thomas’ strongest part, but he needs to be prepared and ready and be with us on the phone. He’s been perfect in the last few days.”
Tuchel continues to isolate, but if he returns a negative test by Thursday, he will be in place for this weekend’s final – assuming Chelsea first overcame Al Hilal.
Zsolt Low Said:
“He’ll follow the government rules, get tested every day, and we hope the next will be negative so he can travel as fast as possible and enjoy the group and the team.
“We hope, but we have texts, phone calls, video calls and give him the feeling he’s with us. We need his unconditional support. In 24 hours, he could be here.”
Al Hilal beat Al Jazira 6-1 to set up a showdown with Chelsea, who are looking to add the Club World Cup to their collection following last year’s Champions League triumph.
Chelsea lost to Corinthians in the Final of 2012 Fifa Club world cup by 1-0.
“We have to take that role after winning the Champions League,” Low said.
“We know we’re a good team and play a good game, but Al Hilal are excellent.
“Leonardo Jardim is an excellent coach, and they have an outstanding team. So, naturally, we take the role as favourites, but for sure, it will be a difficult game tomorrow.”
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