Why Timo Werner got angry with himself as Thomas Tuchel details Chelsea plan to beat Real Madrid

On Thursday morning, Thomas Tuchel sat down with his Chelsea players at Cobham and delivered a few stern and choice words after the back-to-back defeats to Brentford and Real Madrid. Seven goals had been conceded in those two games at Stamford Bridge; it simply was not acceptable.

A response was needed and Chelsea delivered in a big way at St Mary's. Six goals – four of which were scored in the opening 31 minutes – and a clean sheet were recorded against Southampton. It was a victory that firmly established the Blues in third in the Premier League table with eight games to play.

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Tuchel was a happy man., that was in stark contrast to his dark mood on Wednesday evening after Chelsea botched the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid. "It was a very good performance offensive-wise but also defensive-wise," the German said in his post-match press conference.

"The percentage of won challenges at half time was extraordinary and was also key to this performance because it's not only a passing game, it's not only a possession game against Southampton, it's about winning the duels, accepting the physicality.

"By winning challenges, we had chances to be dangerous in offensive transition and not only through a ball-possession game. There was a good mix in all areas of the pitch: mentality and commitment. It was very, very good.

He added: "It wasn't necessary to change everything [after Real Madrid]. But it was the moment for us – or I had the feeling – that it was the moment to tell the group the truth, give my honest opinion, and tell them as a part of the group this is how I feel. So the