Time was running out for me, Thomas Tuchel reveals after Club World Cup win

Thomas Tuchel has revealed he only beat his Covid isolation at the “second-to-last chance” to coach Chelsea to their maiden Club World Cup title in person.

The Blues’ German boss admitted he cut a frustrated figure trying to coach Chelsea’s FA Cup fourth-round win over Plymouth and the Club World Cup semi-final from his office.

And, as time ticked down, he revealed he made several drives to the airport without even waiting for his Covid test result, such was his desperation to join the Chelsea squad in Abu Dhabi.

Tuchel tested negative at the penultimate chance to reach the United Arab Emirates in time though, and took his place on the touchline as the Blues edged past Palmeiras 2-1 after extra time at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium.

“We were running out of lights, with the time difference we knew the deadline was coming,” said Tuchel.

We were running out of lights, with the time difference we knew the deadline was coming- Thomas Tuchel

“So it was the second-to-last chance to make it, the last one would have been to arrive today in the morning. So I’m happy that we made it.

“I was several times on my way to the airport and several times on my way back while I was driving called back because my test was not negative.

“And finally we made it, I arrived yesterday for dinner, at 8.15 in the evening.

“I arrived on time to the team, no chance to be part of the last training, so I took the meetings today.

“It was not nice to watch the semi-final on the office at the screen, but as a coach you want to be on the sideline.

“I’m happy now that all the effort went very well, everyone was so supportive. The effort was excellent and totally worth it.

“I had a tactical signal to see the whole pitch and the TV signal on the other big