Thomas Tuchel makes 'sanctions' claim about Liverpool as Chelsea pre-match injury confirmed

Thomas Tuchel admits he was convinced Chelsea would beat Liverpool in their FA Cup final – right up until the moment Kostas Tsimikas netted the winning penalty.

Tsimikas sent Edouard Mendy the wrong way to earn the Reds a 6-5 triumph on spot kicks after an absorbing goalless draw at Wembley on Saturday.

And having been denied in similar fashion by Liverpool in the League Cup in February, Tuchel believes the disruption caused by sanctions imposed on departing owner Roman Abramovich meant his team deserved better.

“I think like in the last final of the Carabao Cup, no regrets,” said the Chelsea boss. “I told the team I am proud – I was proud before and happy before the match to arrive with this group and we made sure we were competitive and made life very difficult for Liverpool.

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“We struggled in the first 15 minutes and then we were excellent for the whole match if not 240 minutes of final time, and played 0-0 against maybe the most dangerous attacking team in the world. Created also a lot of chances. They (Liverpool) deserved it as we deserved it as well, and again we lose on penalties. We are disappointed of course and sad