Chelsea assistant coach Zsolt Low says a "good conversation" was held with the absent Thomas Tuchel at half time of the Blues' Club World Cup semi-final victory over Al Hilal.
Tuchel has been unable to travel to the UAE for the tournament as he has been in self-isolation after returning a positive Covid test last Friday.
The German's coaching staff has taken responsibility for first-team training over the past four days and it was Low who led the side against Al Hilal tonight.
Chelsea were not at their best against the CAF Champions League winners but managed to get over the line thanks to a first-half goal from Romelu Lukaku.
And after the narrow win, Low detailed the role Tuchel played at the interval via telephone. He said: "First of all, we talked to Thomas at half time and had a good conversation.
"He had the same feeling as us that we were a little nervous and had a lot of easy ball losses. We talked about telling the guys to calm down, to find the rhythm, and not fight so hard for hard solutions. We had a good conversation.
"We've not spoken yet [after the game]. Maybe a bit later we can talk to each other."
There remains hope that Tuchel will be able to join up with the Chelsea squad for the final against Brazilian side Palmeiras on Saturday.
The Blues head coach would have to return a negative PCR test tomorrow – or on Friday – and would also be required to undertake a second PCR test upon arrival in the UAE. If that was to also come back negative, Tuchel would be able to join up with the squad.
"We hope Thomas can travel as soon as possible," Low added. "As I said before, he'll follow government rules. He's in isolation now and doing a Covid PCR test every day.
"Once he tests negative it opens the possibility to travel. Every day we wait for it. We wish he can come to enjoy the final."
Palmeiras booked their place in Saturday's final with a 2-0 victory over Egyptian side Al Ahly yesterday and Chelsea will need to produce an improved performance if they are to claim the only trophy that has eluded the club.
"I expect a big atmosphere but we are used to that from big Champions League games, big finals," Low said. "I think that we are well prepared for this tournament and final. The most important thing is we play a little bit freer in the final with a better rhythm.
"The game today was good to play first time in this stadium, to acclimatise. We know they are a very big club in Brazil. They have a lot of good players. In the next days, we'll analyse their videos. We'll be well prepared."
