Thomas Tuchel demands Chelsea 'consistency' after FA Cup final defeat to Liverpool

Thomas Tuchel has called on Chelsea to be more consistent, both on and off the pitch, after witnessing his side fall to a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to Liverpool in Saturday's FA Cup final.

The London club have been in a state of turmoil in recent months after Russian owner Roman Abramovich put the club up for sale following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the British government then imposed strict controls on the club.

Tuchel said Liverpool and Premier League leaders Manchester City were winning matches week after week, showing the rewards of their long-term planning.

"They are very, very, very consistent and we are in the opposite situation at the moment, given the sanctions. Players are leaving," the German said.

Antonio Rudiger, a lynchpin of Chelsea's defence, will depart the club at the end of this season and fellow defender Andreas Christensen is also expected to leave.

Tuchel turned around Chelsea's fortunes dramatically when he replaced Frank Lampard as manager in January 2021 and he led the Blues to a Champions League triumph just four months later.

Chelsea made it to the FA Cup final in 2021, when they were beaten by Leicester City, as well as the League Cup final in February this year when they also lost to Liverpool on penalties.

But they have struggled to find their rhythm in the Premier League and they sit in third place, 19 points behind leaders Manchester City and 16 behind Liverpool. However, Chelsea have collected some silverware this season, winning the European Super Cup and Fifa Club World Cup.

CHELSEA RATINGS: Edouard Mendy - 8. The 30-year-old had to be quick off the line to cut out danger. He was secure and showed off his shot-stopping qualities, especially in saving from Mane in the