VAN PERSIE CRITICISES TUCHEL ON ZIYECH

Dutchman Robin Van Persie has criticised Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel on his use of Moroccan international player Hakim Ziyech at the club. Robin Van Persie called out new Blues boss Tuchel in an interview with Dutch media outlet De Telegraaf. According to Robin Van Persie, Ziyech has been underused at Chelsea and that the former Ajax Amsterdam player should have a bigger role in the team.

Robin Van Persie is adamant that a player like Ziyech should have been given more playing time by the Chelsea boss. He went on to say that Ziyech and other creative players like Croatian international Mateo Kovacic and United States player Christian Pulisic are not given the freedom to express themselves creatively by German tactician Tuchel.

All the three players were in the squad that won the Champions League title at the end of last month for Chelsea at the expense of Manchester City who were the favourites.

Chelsea secured a second Champions League title to add to the one they won at the end of the 2011/12 campaign by beating Manchester 1-0 in the final played at the end of last month at the Estadio Dragao in the Porto city of Portugal. Manchester City dominated possession but Chelsea had the better chances and they eventually took one of the many chances created thanks to German international Kai Havertz.

Havertz had a largely anonymous opening months at Chelsea following his big money move but he came alive in the final three months of the season and he was responsible for the goal that won the Champions League title for the Blues off the fantastic pass from England international Mason Mount. Havertz scored on 42 minutes and City never looked like replying afterwards. The Citizens were unable to provide the response needed as Chelsea closed out the game to win another Champions League title.