Thomas Tuchel lauds Spurs striker Harry Kane

Add as preferred source on Google

Thomas Tuchel has admitted – in comments reported by Football London – that it will be easier for Chelsea on Thursday if Harry Kane is not playing for Tottenham Hotspur as he is one of the world’s best in his position.

Tuchel is gearing up for only his third game since taking over from Frank Lampard. And it looks to be his toughest challenge to date, with the Blues travelling to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Spurs are unlikely to be at full strength for the contest. Kane missed the defeat at Brighton after coming off at half-time against Liverpool.

The good news is Jose Mourinho has suggested that the striker will be back next week (via BBC Sport). But of course, that means that Spurs will be without their talisman for their next game.

And Tuchel confirmed ahead of the game that the striker’s absence definitely hands his side a big boost. He did also hint that they are going to be prepared if Tottenham spring a surprise with Kane.

“Well I would say it’s always easier if Harry Kane is not playing, that is a given, absolutely no secret,” he said, as reported by Football London.

“Harry Kane is one of the best number nines in the world, a role model number nine that every coach and team wishes for in terms of work rate, ambition, mentality, attitude, and his goalscoring is simply outstanding.

“At the moment we assume he will not play. But we will prepare ourselves for all cases. So if he’s on the pitch we will also be prepared for that.”

Tottenham will be raring to go when Chelsea visit. They have lost their last two and they will be desperate to not lose further ground in the race for the top four.

Of course, Mourinho would love to unleash Kane for the game. But Spurs boast plenty of other dangerous players who would love to leave Tuchel wishing they were also not playing.