Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has backed his star first-teamer Mason Mount to feature heavily in what remains of the campaign for Chelsea despite Mount’s under-fire showings of late when on the field.
The west London giants have suffered two defeats on the trot, first to Arsenal in the Premier League and then to Leicester City in the FA Cup final over the past weekend, and Mount has been unable to inspire an out-of-sorts Chelsea outfit to be at their very best.
Mount could have found a way back for Chelsea in the game against the Foxes on Saturday if not for Kasper Schmeichel’s incredible save which kept the scoreline 1-0 in Leicester City’s favour and eventually ensured the trophy for Brendan Rodger’s men at the Wembley Stadium.
According to reports from The Times, with Thomas Tuchel and Co. chasing Champions League qualification and the upsurge shown by rival club Liverpool to close the gap on them in the standings, the Blues gaffer has asserted that Mount remains as important as ever to the team’s first-team plans going ahead in the final three matches awaiting the club.
“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.”
“We didn’t have much time between those games and the [Manchester] City match, particularly when you factor in the travel, but we wanted him to rest to conserve his energy and his form.
“I think he struggled a little bit in the game against Arsenal in terms of having his usual high standards and impact on the match. He has played the last few games in a double six role, which I don’t think is the best position for him, but I’m still so happy with Mason.
“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 [Kasper] 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.”
