The newly appointed world coach Thomas Tuchel admitted to being very tired after Chelsea FC lost the next point in the Premier League – including himself.
After the 1-1 draw at Brighton & Hove Albion on Tuesday evening, Tuchel told the British broadcaster BBC: "I notice it myself. Sometimes you sit on the bus and think: Where are we going?" The 48-year-old said.
"You have to refocus and think about where we're going, when we're going, what time we're playing and when the next session is."
Chelsea are struggling with that
As a result of the loss of points, Chelsea, third in the Premier League, are now twelve points behind leaders Manchester City.
Given the tight schedule, Tuchel, who was honored as world coach on Monday evening, showed understanding for the lack of physical and mental freshness among his players.
"We're struggling with that," said Tuchel.
"It's been like this since November.
We're the team that plays and plays and plays, and of course you can tell.
That's why we have to pull the plug and charge the batteries," explained the former Bundesliga coach.
He gave his team two days off so they could come back "hungry and happy".
"We look tired because we are tired," he admitted.
The Champions League winners meet Tottenham Hotspur in a London city duel on Sunday.
It will be Chelsea's 21st competitive game since the beginning of November.
There will be another free week in the following break, which is planned in the international framework calendar, announced Tuchel, who has been a Chelsea coach for almost a year.