Thomas Tuchel reveals what he said to Kai Havertz to inspire Palace performance

Chelsea got back to winning ways at the weekend and they did it emphatically, beating Crystal Palace 4-1 at Selhurst Park on Saturday.

It was a much needed three points but even more so, a much needed top class all-round performance.

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Every player played well, but there were standouts from Christian Pulisic, Mason Mount, and for the purpose of this article, Kai Havertz.

The front three were on fire and linking up very well together, each either getting goals or assists.

Havertz was particularly impressing in the false 9 role, a position where he enjoys plenty of freedom to roam and he seemed to be really enjoying it.

Tuchel has been praising his performance via the Chelsea website over night, and he has revealed exactly what he said to the German international to inspire such a performance before the match.

“I cannot tell you the level that he will reach or how fast he can do it,’ said Tuchel.

“I can just repeat, when he stepped out of his comfort zone when he changed club from Leverkusen to Chelsea he absolutely wanted to challenge himself and now it’s on him to show the quality.

“He had showed it already against very strong opponents in Everton and Liverpool. He had a tough match against Porto and the speech was very easy: “go and show that you can do better and fight for your place, you get a second chance”.

“He knew that he had to be more ruthless in his finishing because he has that extra quality and I want him to show it. He is about controlling the ball, keeping the ball in difficult situations, having little runs in high positions to finish and assist. He needs to show up and show up and show up, this is life as an offensive player at Chelsea.

“He’s not an emotional guy that needs to be fighting with the opponent all the time to be at his best. He’s not a Diego Costa, and I will not demand that he becomes that kind of guy.

“You cannot confuse his body language with thinking that he does not give everything. He’s a very proud character and he’s very aware of his quality and he’s ready to show that. What we can demand from him is quality, because he has that, and this is the way we are hoping he will help the team and will become an important player if he can show this regularly.”

After taking time to settle in a new league and in a new country, Havertz is now really starting to shine.

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