Following the UEFA Champions League win over Zenit, Joe Cole and Rio Ferdinand hail Chelsea’s squad depth and transformation under Thomas Tuchel.
Former Chelsea player Joe Cole has hailed his former club’s ‘so much strength in depth’ after winning over Zenit Saint Petersburg at Stamford Bridge yesterday.
The Blues began their defence of the Champions League with a 1-0 victory over the Russian side despite not playing their best game in the match. A header from summer signing Romelu Lukaku in the 68th minute gave Chelsea the win.
And Joe Cole, who was on punditry duties with BT Sport, was pleased with the performance of the group and the strength of the squad.
Cole told BT Sport, “They’ll be feeling great. That was a routine Champions League assignment tonight.
They weren’t quite what they had been, but they got the job done. It shows that they respond to Tuchel. When he decides to whip the horse, they go; they’re together as a team.”
“Chelsea have the most well-balanced squad in the Premier League.
There are still few question marks in United’s midfield. With Chelsea, it is strength everywhere. There’s so much strength in depth.
Fellow BT Sport pundit Rio Ferdinand, who was also commenting on the match, commented on the confidence in the team.
The former Manchester United defender hailed the transformation the team has witnessed since Thomas Tuchel took over in January after Frank Lampard was sacked.
‘They’re a big strong team, and they have the know-how.’ Ferdinand said.
‘Winning the Champions League gives you so much confidence.
‘They deal with every situation that comes at them. There’s confidence when they’re doing it.
‘For other teams watching on, they’ll be thinking, wow! These guys are serious.
‘There will be ups and downs, but wow, they’re answering every question coming to their door.
‘It’s amazing to see the transformation in the team; it’s been phenomenal.’
Chelsea return to action this weekend when they travel to the London Stadium to play Tottenham.
