Thomas Tuchel admits Chelsea are not yet ready to become champions of England – despite ruling Europe and the world.
The Blues last week added the Club World Cup to their Champions League triumph of last season.
But Chelsea boss Tuchel has warned his side – who have also reached this season’s Carabao Cup final and the last-16 stage of the FA Cup and Champions League – must improve their consistency if they want to be more than just cup specialists.
Thomas Tuchel has admitted that Chelsea are not yet ready to win the Premier League
The German’s team return to Premier League action at Crystal Palace on Saturday sitting third in the table, 16 points behind leaders Manchester City, having won only one of their last five top-flight games.
‘Sixteen points is too much compared to where we want to be and what we demand of ourselves, but it’s the reality,’ said Tuchel.
‘We should not get confused in thinking about winning the Premier League. We have to realise we are in a race for the top four right now.
The Blues won the Club World Cup last week by beating Brazilian side Palmeiras in the final
‘Cup games bring out the very best in us, which is only a good thing. But we have to admit that the Premier League season does not consist of only knockout games.
‘It’s a different challenge to be champions of the toughest competition in Europe.
‘It needs additional qualities that we need to implement and need to be relentless to implement. We need to be realistic enough that we opened the gap by playing too many draws.
‘The Club World Cup gives us a boost because it is proof that we are capable of overcoming difficult games. We can step up under pressure and deliver under pressure.
Tuchel’s Chelsea side currently trail Premier League leaders Manchester City by 16 points
But he says their latest success out in Abu Dhabi shows they can deliver under pressure
‘That’s why I think we should not start doubting it or stop believing.
‘But there are some things to solve in terms of consistency. There are things to improve and we will not stop until we have.’
Meanwhile, Tuchel says he is keen to resolve the future of his captain Cesar Azpilicueta, who is out of contract in the summer and has been linked with a move to Barcelona.
‘The future of the players I like to be resolved immediately or not to even be in discussion,’ he said.
Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta is out of contract in the summer and yet to sign a new deal
‘I think the contract situation with Azpi is pretty clear. At the moment we deal with it and Azpi deals with it very professionally. We are on it behind closed doors.
‘He is super important. He gets better with every game he plays and he leads by example.
‘He embodies everything that Chelsea stands for – being relentless, being humble, but being a warrior at the same time.’