Tuchel: I take responsibility for Ziyech's suffering
The Chelsea coach took responsibility for the Moroccan star's lack of play, stating that some tough decisions have to be made at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea's newly appointed coach, Thomas Tuchel, spoke on Friday during a press conference ahead of his team's fixture against Southampton regarding Moroccan playmaker Hakim Ziyech, who hasn't been handed much game time since the German took charge.
The former Ajax star has only started one Premier League game, against Wolves, since Tuchel's arrival four weeks ago, mostly warming the bench as an unused substitute in subsequent fixtures with the German coach putting that down to the quality of other players such as Mason Mount, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Christian Pulisic.
Tuchel: Hard decisions mean that we have quality
"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" the Blues boss said.
Tuchel also noted he understands that Ziyech might be suffering now as he opts for other options, saying he can be held responsible if the player is unable to prove himself. "I can understand, so it is my responsibility in this case that he cannot show more. When I look at the rhythm and schedule for the next days, I am sure we will need all of our players." Tuchel added.
Ziyech joined Chelsea from Ajax last summer for £37.8 million and has made 19 appearances so far in all competitions, scoring two goals.