Thomas Tuchel told partner Kai Havertz needs to take Chelsea to Liverpool and Man City's level

Thomas Tuchel has been told that Chelsea need to source a striker with a ruthless edge in front of goal if they are to close the gap on Manchester City and Liverpool next season. A 1-1 draw with Manchester United on Thursday night left the Blues frustrated after a number of great chances were spurned by Kai Havertz.

Marcos Alonso gave Thomas Tuchel's side the lead at Old Trafford only for the hosts to respond immediately through Cristiano Ronaldo's 17th goals of the season. The Portuguese showed a ruthless edge that has been sorely lacking in the Chelsea camp for some time now and it is an issue that could see them fall further behind in the chase next season.

With Liverpool possessing a wealth of fire power in Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Diogo Jota, and City seemingly closing in on a deal for Erling Haaland, the pressure will be on Tuchel to produce an attacking unit that can match their rivals. He remained calm after full-time on Thursday, however, insisting that he will continue to improve his current crop of attackers.

"That is the target to which we work. It's also for them to adapt, there is still a time of adaptation to the rhythm and schedule," he told his post-match press conference. "The schedule is ruthless for us and still, it's the moment that they have to adapt to the league, the physicality, the rhythm, the demands. The boys are still young: Mason (Mount) is still young, Timo (Werner) is still young, Kai is still young.

"It will come, they will learn because they are good guys and have the right attitude. It's not always easy to arrive fully composed and with the biggest ease because we demand a lot off the counter-pressing, attacking with the first line when the opponents wants to play out. So they