Tuchel defends his players
Chelsea were not at their best against Crystal Palace. Much in the same way they weren't against Palmeiras during the Club World Cup final. Or in the semi-final against Al Hilal. Or in a multitude of the matches played by the Blues over the past two months.
In December, injuries and positive Covid cases were understandably blamed. Meanwhile, insipid performances in January were put down to squad fatigue, which was accepted given what had come before.
