Tuchel: Chelsea wanted to make football world jealous

Thomas Tuchel spurred his Chelsea stars to Club World Cup glory by invoking a sense of global envy at the Blues' mission to lift every possible title.

The Chelsea boss' whirlwind Abu Dhabi trip paid off as the Blues edged out Palmeiras 2-1 after extra-time, thanks to Kai Havertz's late penalty.

Tuchel only just reached the United Arab Emirates in time on Friday night after testing negative to emerge from Covid-19 isolation and quickly dispensed with the catch-ups to deliver a well-pitched pre-match address.

The German manager simply reminded his players they were living the ultimate football dream by chasing world-champion status - and that clear message appeared to lift a level of tension from his side.

Owner Roman Abramovich has now steered Chelsea to 21 titles in his 19-year Stamford Bridge stewardship, with the Club World Cup completing a clean sweep of every possible trophy.

The Champions League holders are now world champions too, becoming just the fifth team to win every major club title.

"We were actually very calm before the game, we tried to calm the team down and to tell them what a fantastic opportunity it is to play football and that every footballer in the world is jealous of us to have the chance to play this final," said Tuchel.

"And maybe so many young boys out there dream to be one day in this final and watch this game.

"We reminded ourselves that all of us have been this boy at one point and it's also a moment to enjoy, to enjoy the hard work and sacrifice we will put into this game."

Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta is now the only Blues player to have completed that personal clean sweep of top trophies.

Edouard Mendy has become European champion, African champion and world champion all at the same time.

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