THOMAS TUCHEL has accused the Premier League of wrecking Chelsea’s season.
He launched a scathing attack on the authorities forcing clubs to play on during the Covid outbreak after the 3-1 win at Aston Villa.
Chelsea’s triumph came at a cost after injuries to Thiago Silva (hamstring) and N’Golo Kante (knee).
And that double injury blow sparked Tuchel to blast: “They make us play have new injuries and it won’t stop.
“Here, we played against a team with no international duty. At some stage it’ll catch up with us. People at the green table, in offices, make these decisions.
“We play two more cup games against teams with games postponed. This cannot be the right way.”
As well as venting his fury at being forced to play, Tuchel also backed the reintroduction of five substitutes in the Prem.
He said: “There’s not enough changes. Three is a big disadvantage. Five subs was invented because of coronavirus.
JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
“Will it change? Zero chance. All other leagues have five changes. Then we have to compete against them in the Champions League.
“It’s a bit frustrating. Europe has a winter break but we play through it and put it on the players’ shoulders. They make us play all the time.
“We let Callum Hudson-Odoi play 90 minutes as we needed to change other players.
“It’s not fair, we’re just filling holes where we can fill them.
“Lukaku had a very good performance. But he’s not ready for that even if he wants it.
“We’ve all been in bed for ten days with flu. Lukaku was a game changer. I’m super impressed with the guys but also super concerned.”
Striker Lukaku said the title race is still on and warned Prem leaders Manchester City: “We are the hunters now.”
Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard was isolating after testing positive for Covid and coach Gary McAllister said: “He has no symptoms, so you can imagine how frustrating it would’ve been to have watched the game from home.”
Read our Football news live blog for the very latest rumours, gossip and done deals
