Thomas Tuchel admits Chelsea's recent form 'looks horrible'

Thomas Tuchel has admitted that Chelsea's recent form "looks horrible", but only because of the high standards expected at the club.

The Blues were in electrifying form in the early weeks and months of the season are were the early pacesetters in the Premier League.

However, a below-par performance saw Chelsea held by Manchester United at home, before West Ham twice fought back from a goal down to win 3-2 at London Stadium. To make matters worse, Tuchel's side again shipped three in midweek as they were held to a thrilling draw by Zenit - which meant the Blues finished second in their Champions League group behind Juventus.

Next on the agenda for Tuchel's charges is a visit from Leeds United in the Premier League and speaking before that game, the German admitted he had been disappointed by his side's recent decline.

"This is very unusual for us and this should not become common," Tuchel said. "The performances are not horrible or bad. They are in some moments average, and average looks kind of horrible when you play and work for Chelsea.

"If you have the lead four times in two matches and you escape with one point and six goals conceded, it's not the moment to look away and pretend nothing's happening.

"I have the feeling we dropped from good performances to normal, average performances when we lead."

Despite this, Tuchel insisted that Chelsea were ready to put things right against Marcelo Bielsa's side this weekend.

"We've learned now, hopefully, twice from experience, and we have the chance to prove it now tomorrow," Tuchel added. "It is back to basics - and basics on the highest level. We are in this together.

"From my experience, I can say I always find it very challenging to keep things on track even when the results are good. There is not a big problem, we should not worry too much, but should also not look away. It is not a big issue at the moment."

Recent results mean Chelsea currently sit third in the Premier League table behind second-place Liverpool and leaders Man City. A victory and results going their way could move them back to the summit, though.

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