Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has warned his players not to become over-reliant on Mason Mount to win them games.
Mount has become one of the first names on the team sheet after his rise for the club. He followed Lampard back to Chelsea after his loan spell at Derby – he became a favourite of the manager. However, he has cemented his place under Tuchel.
The midfielder has played in all but three matches in all competitions since Tuchel took over in January. He has also made some key contributions, scoring in the Champions League quarter-finals & semi-finals.
Mount then impressed in Saturday’s FA Cup defeat to Leicester, with a superb save from Kasper Schmeichel preventing his certain equaliser.
Before the FA Cup final, he struggled to affect the 1-0 defeat against Arsenal and got a rest for the league win over Man City.
Speaking to Chelsea’s official website, Tuchel said that his other players must not rely too much on him. He also admitted that Mount’s change of position has affected his recent displays.
“We tried to give Mason a little break recently because he gave a lot in the Real Madrid games and he has been so decisive for us,” the manager said.
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“We didn’t have much time between those games and the [Manchester] City match, particularly when you factor in the travel, but we wanted him to rest to conserve his energy and his form.
“I think he struggled a little bit in the game against Arsenal in terms of having his usual high standards and impact on the match.
“He has played the last few games in a double six role, which I don’t think is the best position for him, but I’m still so happy with Mason.”
“In the cup final, perhaps he could have played with a little more composure but don’t forget, if it wasn’t for an incredible save from Schmeichel, then he would have scored an equaliser,” Tuchel added.
“It wasn’t to be but Mason is always a dangerous player for us and we should be careful that we don’t over-expect from Mason.
“He is a key player for us in every match, he’s always so decisive and that will not change for the next three matches. He is absolutely key for us.”
