Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel says he LOVES Mateo Kovacic because ‘he’d be ready to train at Cobham at 3:15am’ as he opens up on just how impressed he is with the midfielder since taking over at Stamford Bridge
- Thomas Tuchel spoke of his admiration for Mateo Kovacic after Newcastle win
- The Croatian starred in midfield as Chelsea eased to a 2-0 victory on Monday
- Kovacic has started every Premier League match since Tuchel took charge
Thomas Tuchel revealed Mateo Kovacic is already one of his favourite players at Chelsea after the midfielder impressed in Monday’s 2-0 win over Newcastle.
The Croatian has started all five Premier League matches since Tuchel took charge at Stamford Bridge, and had more touches of the ball and completed passes than anyone else on the pitch against Newcastle.
Speaking after the match, Kovacic’s new boss hailed the enthusiasm the midfielder has shown in recent weeks.
Mateo Kovacic starred in midfield as Chelsea eased to a 2-0 win over Newcastle on Monday
Thomas Tuchel hailed the midfielder after the match and said it was a pleasure to manage him
‘I love him. I could wake the guy at 3 at night and he will be at Cobham at 3.15 ready to give everything,’ Tuchel told the 5th Stand.
‘I need to calm the guy down in training, that he’s not doing too much. It’s a pleasure to have him.’
Kovacic completed 90 minutes in the league four times under Lampard earlier in the season, and he has already matched that total under Tuchel.
The German boss has settled on the 26-year-old in midfield alongside Jorginho, who has enjoyed a return to the side and has played every minute in the league under Tuchel so far.
Kovacic has started every Premier League match since Tuchel took over at Chelsea last month
And it has had immediate results, with the back three system bringing the new regime 13 points out of a possible 15 having conceded just one goal in that run.
Monday night’s win took Chelsea back into the top four ahead of a crucial month for their season.
They play Atletico Madrid in the Champions League last 16, as well as hosting top-four rivals Manchester United and Everton and facing potentially tricky away trips to Southampton and Leeds.