It's back to the grind for Chelsea and Thomas Tuchel, with the Blues' preparations well underway to face Southampton in the Premier League. The west London side's return to domestic action was not one they'd hoped for last time out against Brentford and they failed to rediscover their momentum in Europe on the way to recording a 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid.
The Saints have offered Chelsea plenty of difficulties this season, pushing them to penalties in the Carabao Cup and they looked set to earn a draw in the Premier League before Ross Barkley helped inspire TImo Werner and Ben Chilwell's late goals. The latter match also came following two Chelsea defeats, so the Blues will be hoping to rebound in a similar fashion.
Tuchel is back in the hot seat on Friday, and will once again be tasked with facing the press ahead of Chelsea's trip to the south coast. We take a look at what will be on the agenda.
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Injuries
Often the subject top of the agenda when it comes to previewing the next match, Chelsea have had a pretty healthy squad since their return from the international break, despite their struggle for form. Chilwell and Callum Hudson-Odoi were the only absentees from the clash with Real Madrid and hopefully, that situation can only improve.
It will be interesting to see whether Tuchel will divulge more on Hudson-Odoi, who has struggled with an Achilles issue for some time now and picked up a back injury in the meantime. The young winger was present behind the substitutes bench against Real Madrid and his presence could help add some vigour to the Chelsea lineup. The 20-year-old has only played against Luton since starting against Palmeiras in the Club World Cup final due to the issue. Another wing-back option wouldn't go amiss for Tuchel, albeit Hudson-Odoi has had success further up the pitch this term.
New owners
As much as the Blues boss might not want to broach the topic, the club's position surrounding new owners is sure to be once again brought up ahead of the original deadline for final bids on Monday. However, bidders are now said to have been provided extra time to file their final offers.
Whether this impacts the timeline of the overall process, may be of concern to the German coach with Chelsea unable to negotiate any contract issues or move forward with any possible transfers at the current time. Prospective owners have been in conversation with members of the Blues hierarchy and supporter groups, with a chat with Tuchel even touted, though the German coach has appeared reluctant to get involved. He said: “I’m not sure if they want to and I’m not sure if I should! I don’t know if it’s a good idea or bad idea. Maybe it’s best to be involved, if I am involved, as late as possible.”
Tuchel has refused to acknowledge the process is playing a role in Chelsea's current form but it certainly brings added attention to the end of the season. Following defeat to Real Madrid, he said: "You ask about the circumstances and the change of ownership, I see no difference between the last weeks and the last weeks we performed. I do not accept it as an excuse because of the same reasons that I said before. It is the moment now to find an end to this period of conceding goals and losing games very quickly because we are in an absolutely crucial time of the season."
What has happened since the international break?
The question on everyone's mind and the one that Tuchel needs to find an answer to in time for Saturday. Chelsea's match against Real Madrid was a far from ideal performance but certainly appeared to have more tangible issues and things that can be figured out than the defeat to Brentford.
Nevertheless, the rate of goals has been a cause for concern. "In five days, it is seven goals conceded and we didn't change anything: not from the approach, line ups, or the system," said Tuchel. "I don't think there's a deeper reason for it. It is alarming. In two games, seven goals, but nothing has changed."
Thursday will have offered some time to reflect and the German coach will hope to resolve that 'deeper reason'.
Armando Broja
The Chelsea loanee will be unavailable for selection for the Saints on Saturday, but it always feels an apt time to reflect on the youngster's progress this term. Following the international break, Ralph Hasenhuttl provided an in-depth assessment of Broja's progress and noted how he has developed over the course of the season.
The Blues boss is often coy over the prospects of Chelsea's vast array of loanees, but, given transfers links to the likes of Arsenal and West Ham, it will not be long until Tuchel needs to make an assessment of whether he has reached the level to be involved in his squad next season.
