“Hard decisions”: Tuchel lays the blame for Chelsea star’s struggles on the competition for places

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel opens up on why Hakim Ziyech is struggling for game time

According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has attributed ‘competition’ for the reason Hakim Ziyech has struggled for game time under him.

Ziyech was one of the club’s biggest signings of the summer. While he has struggled with injuries, that has not been the reason for his absence under Tuchel.

The Moroccan international started the German’s first game in charge against Wolverhampton Wanderers. He has not featured in the starting XI in the league since.

Ziyech was omitted from the squad that won at home to Burnley and was an unused substitute against Tottenham Hotspur, Sheffield United and Newcastle United.

With the likes of Christian Pulisic, Mason Mount and Callum Hudson-Odoi all at the club, Ziyech has a proper fight on his hands to win back his starting spot.

“It is my fault he is not playing much at the moment that I have picked Mason, Callum and Pulisic sometimes. These are hard decisions to make but it is a good thing because it means we have quality.”

While it may be unfortunate for the player in question, it also speaks volumes about the strength in depth at the club.

Tuchel’s appointment has hit a reset button on the players’ standing at the club. Ziyech has the quality to compete and will be handed more opportunities based on merit.

“There are some decisions for other players that means Hakim suffers at the moment.”

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Ziyech joined Chelsea in a £37.8m transfer from Ajax last summer. He has made 19 appearances so far in all competitions, scoring twice. (h/t Daily Mail)