Thomas Tuchel had little interest in discussing potential signings in the aftermath of Chelsea's disappointing defeat to Southampton. "Do we need players from outside? We can play better with the guys who are here," the German stated. "And the biggest concern at the moment is how many players we are missing from our squad. That’s where the focus is."
Tuchel had a point. Absent from the starting XI for Chelsea at St Mary's were Reece James due to illness, Trevoh Chalobah and N'Golo Kante due to injury, and the suspended Conor Gallagher. Mateo Kovacic was also only fit enough for the substitutes' bench as he continues to be eased back following a knee injury.
Throw in Ruben Loftus-Cheek picking up a hamstring problem in the opening period of the 2-1 defeat and Chelsea's midfield, in particular, looks rather threadbare. But that still doesn't excuse the performance produced by the Blues, nor the lack of reaction shown after Southampton went ahead just before half time.
