Thomas Tuchel urges Hakim Ziyech to improve despite scoring the winner against Malmo
Talking after the match (h/t The Metro), Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has urged winger Hakim Ziyech to improve in two areas after their win over Malmo in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night.
Ziyech’s goal early in the second half was enough for the defending European champion to eliminate hosts Malmo from the tournament. The Blues took a step closer to the knockout stage as they now are nine points from four games, with Juventus holding the top spot with four wins from four games.
Tuchel was happy with the Moroccan international after scoring his first goal since the European Super Club clash against Villarreal back in August. However, the German coach still believes that the former Ajax Amsterdam player needs to be better in ‘decision-making’ and become more ‘clinical’ in front of goal.
“He can still be more clinical and maybe grow more into the rhythm but I think his shoulder injury hurt him a lot.”
Tuchel however is willing to give his player some leeway following his return from surgery. Ziyech is yet to recover completely from his shoulder injury and he believes scoring the goal will have done his confidence justice.
“Even if he pushed hard to come back early, he is not still 100 per cent free as he should be but I am happy because a goal like this will help. I am happy for him.”
Ziyech arrived at Stamford Bridge from Ajax last summer and has since made 48 appearances for the current Premier League leaders. In those, he has started 29 games but has managed to finish only twice.
Ziyech himself after that match said that he wants to continue putting in match-winning performances for the club. He also admits that fans are yet to see his best.
More Chelsea News
- Eden Hazard wants to fight for his place at Real Madrid amidst Chelsea links
- Federico Pastorello admits Malang Sarr could leave Chelsea on loan next January
- Some fans react on Twitter as Chelsea beat Malmo 1-0 to retain second spot in their UCL group
The 28-year-old had struggled with form and fitness during his debut season with the West Londoners. Now back fit, Chelsea fans would be hoping he hits the same heights he used to reach with Ajax back in the day.
