‘Finally revealed! Why Kovacic shouted at Ross Barkley in Brentford 2-0 win
Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic provides a timely boost for Thomas Tuchel as his comeback continues
However, The return of Mateo Kovacic to the Chelsea starting lineup was a big boost for Chelsea, not just for the game against Brentford but also for further down the line as they look to recover some of their form that has stuttered in the last few weeks.
The Croatian midfielder had five assists to his name before he sustained a hamstring injury in training. On Wednesday night, he was named in the starting lineup for the first time since October 23 and his side needed him more than ever.
There were still a few rusty touches after his 25 minute cameo off the bench against Wolves but as the half wore on, he grew into it and was one of the better Blues players on the pitch.
He was demanding the ball at all times and on one such time, he didn’t get it. No-one was near Kovacic in the midfield, he had his arms spread out and wanting the ball from Ross Barkley, who completely ignored him.
Cue Kovacic shouting at his fellow midfielder before and after the pass was eventually played the opposite way by Barkley. Kovacic was not impressed.
One person who was impressed – eventually – was head coach Thomas Tuchel after his side secured a place in the last four of the League Cup and a two-legged affair against Spurs in January.
As it stands it is a two-legged affair but should we see more Covid-related postponements then that could go down to one.
The head coach said: “We did everything today to make sure we were in the semi final. We wanted to be there and I am absolutely happy with the result. We had a brilliant performance and result, given the circumstances.
And the lineup and the situation that some of the guys who played today were youngsters, not so many minutes like Malang, Trevoh and Ross Barkley.
Suddenly you are in the middle of a match like this at Brentford, you have to take responsibility. It is not easy. I am very happy with how we did this, very disciplined, very structured with a lot of confidence and quality so well done to the boys.”
In light of the circumstances that Tuchel alluded to, it was a good result. There was another positive for Tuchel for the players as Romelu Lukaku and Callum Hudson-Odoi both delivered negative Covid test results on Wednesday and, should they provide another negative on Thursday, they could be in line for a return to the squad for the Boxing Day trip to Aston Villa.