Thomas Tuchel has been handed a timely reminder ahead of the summer transfer window following Chelsea's defeat to Everton at the weekend. The Blues were sent back to west London with their tail between their legs after Richarlison pounced on a mistake from Cesar Azpilicueta.
The Spain international's lapse of concentration cost the Blues crucial leverage in the race for top-four, while also handing Frank Lampard's side a major boost in the Toffees' brawl for survival. The 30-year-old's mistake was the fourteenth time Chelsea have made an error which has led to a goal since the start of Premier League season - only Everton, ironically, have made more (15).
Tuchel's side have suffered from various troubles over the last two months, with excellent performances against Real Madrid and Southampton overshadowed by disappointing defeats to Brentford, Arsenal, and now Everton. With mistakes leading to goals becoming a common theme for Chelsea, the German admitted that it's a problem in the race for Champions League qualification.
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Asked about whether individual errors are a concern, Tuchel replied: "It is. It is a huge pattern, and it has cost us a huge amount of points.
"No, what can I do? The ball is free, then give a goal away," the Blues boss replied, when asked if there was anything he could've done to prevent Azpilicueta’s mistake.
"It is the worst thing that can happen to you in this atmosphere and situation. It happens too often, we struggle to play without big mistakes. That's why we struggle to have results."
Coincidentally, on Friday night Jules Kounde, who has been heavily linked with the west Londoners this season, surpassed 90 La Liga appearances for Sevilla without having committed single error leading to an opposition goal. The 22-year-old defender joined the Spanish giants from Bordeaux in 2019 and has gone on to win the Europa League.
Tuchel's side were linked with France international ahead of the season and were understood to have agreed a deal, according to The Athletic. However, the sale of Kurt Zouma to West Ham reportedly led the Sevilla porting director, Monchi, to increase the asking price by around £12.8million to which Chelsea then halted their pursuit.
Kounde remains a primary target of the Blues' ahead of the summer and the German boss is a big fan of his, as per Fabrizio Romano. Should Chelsea look to secure the Frenchman's signature then the new owners will reportedly have to fork out around £67million, which has been earmarked as Sevilla's release clause price.
