Thomas Tuchel Reveals Chelsea Star Refused to Come Off the Bench During FA Cup Defeat Against Liverpool

Thomas Tuchel Reveals Chelsea Star Refused to Come Off the Bench During FA Cup Defeat Against Liverpool

Fred Kennedy
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:02 PM
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  • Thomas Tuchel left Chelsea fans angry after Timo Werner was not introduced as a substitute during the FA Cup final
  • However, the Chelsea manager has disclosed it was Werner's decision not to come on as he complained of a hamstring problem
  • With the Blues in dire need of a goal, Tuchel sent on Ruben Loftus-Cheek to play in attack as Werner warmed the bench

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has revealed Timo Werner ruled himself out of coming off the bench during the Blues' FA cup defeat against Liverpool.

Tuchel's decision to leave out the German in six substitutes that he used during the Saturday, May 14, encounter left fans stunned as the West Londoners lost their second final this season at Wembley Stadium.

Thomas Tuchel gestures on the touchline during the Emirates FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium. Photo by Adam Davy.
Thomas Tuchel gestures on the touchline during the Emirates FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium. Photo by Adam Davy.
Source: Getty Images

The mouthwatering clash proved competitive as the two English giants battled for 120 minutes without scoring a goal.

The match had to be decided via an epic penalty shootout which Liverpool won 6-5, with Mason Mount and Cesar Azpilicueta missing for Chelsea.

Thomas Tuchel explains Timo Werner's no-show in the FA Cup final

With Chelsea fans still concerned why Tuchel overlooked Werner while making his substitutions, the Germany tactician has come out to reveal it was the forward's decision not to play.

According to Tuchel, Werner ruled out himself from coming off the bench because of a hamstring complaint.

"Timo felt uncomfortable in the warm-up and said he could not play. A hamstring as well. We had no options," Daily Mail quoted the Chelsea boss saying.

Tuchel eventually brought on Ruben Loftus-Cheek in place of Werner, with the Englishman playing upfront in extra-time.

Interestingly, Loftus-Cheek was himself replaced 15 minutes later, with Ross Barkley sent on so he could play in the shootouts.

Klopp sends Chelsea special message after FA Cup showdown

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has admitted he "really feels" for Chelsea following their FA Cup final showdown decided via a penalty shootout at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, May 14.

The Reds were clinical in the shootouts as they silenced Chelsea 6-5 to secure the domestic trophy.

Klopp, who had won his first FA Cup title for Liverpool took some time to send Chelsea an impassioned message as he admitted the Saturday loss was heartbreaking for Thomas Tuchel's men.

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Fred Kennedy
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Stamford BridgeThomas Tuchel