Thomas Tuchel claims Mateo Kovacic looks like a ‘wonderkid’ in training as Chelsea prepare to face Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League.
European champions Chelsea welcome Real Madrid to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday for the first leg of their quarter-final clash.
Croatia international Kovacic will hope to impress against his former team and help the Blues move one step closer to retaining their Champions League crown.
Kovacic has played nearly 200 games for Chelsea since his move from Real Madrid in the summer of 2018 and Tuchel was keen to stress the importance of the 27-year-old to his team.
Asked about Kovacic’s development at Stamford Bridge and whether he is now one of the club’s most important players, Tuchel said: ‘I think he is still completing it.
‘He looks like a wonderkid in training in some exercises. Today he had an outstanding training session. ‘He is a fantastic character, a lovely guy, a humble guy, and so interested in sport. He’s so happy to train and deliver for the team. It’s a true pleasure.
‘Even at Real Madrid, I was aware of his talent and following his career and I felt there was a next step coming and I was sure he had what it takes to make it.
‘I am very happy that he is my player and plays a lot this season. He is crucial to us on the pitch and off the pitch. He knows what it takes, what culture is needed at a big club.’
Chelsea’s preparation for their quarter-final game with Real Madrid has been far from ideal, with Tuchel’s team suffering a shock 4-1 defeat to London rivals Brentford on Saturday.
Asked about his team’s response to the Premier League loss, Tuchel said: ‘We had a day off which was maybe important for us to digest it. We talked about it but no special team talk.
‘We spoke openly about it in a debrief which is normal. We set new targets which is also normal in sport.
‘We did not like what happened, it was very untypical for us and consider it the exception to the rule. We were open to ourselves and allowed ourselves to focus on the match tomorrow because that is what is needed.’
