Thomas Tuchel’s Club World Cup replacement as Hakim Ziyech speaks on exile

Thomas Tuchel has not travelled with the Chelsea squad to Abu Dhabi for the Club World Cup after testing positive for coronavirus, as Hakim Ziyech quits international football

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Chelsea coach details Tuchel’s remote involvement for Club World Cup

Chelsea legend Petr Cech has temporarily stepped into a new role with the club following Thomas Tuchel’s absence.

The Blues coach tested positive for coronavirus just hours before the club were due to depart for the Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi this week.

And that has led to Cech taking on new responsibilities after travelling with the squad for the tournament.

It comes as Cesar Azpilicueta readies himself to bury the ghost of the 2012 Club World Cup as he looks to realise a remarkable achievement.

And Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech has opened up about his exile from his international side.

Here are Mirror Football’s latest Chelsea headlines.

Have Your Say! How will Chelsea fare at the Club World Cup? Tell us here.

Azpilicueta’s shot at immortality

Cesar Azpilicueta is aiming to become the first Chelsea player to win the Club World Cup, the Premier League title, Champions League, Europa League, European Super Cup, FA Cup and League Cup this week.

The Spaniard was part of the 2012 Club World Cup side that lost to Brazilian side Corinthians in the final, meaning he has now been presented with the chance to eclipse some of the Stamford Bridge outfit’s greatest legends.

And the Chelsea captain has opened up on what it would now mean to lift the only major trophy the club is yet to win.

Read the full story here.

Cech’s new role

Former Blues goalkeeper Petr Cech has taken on new responsibilities to help the side in Thomas Tuchel’s absence at the Club World Cup.

Assistant coach Zsolt Low has taken on some the Chelsea manager’s duties after Tuchel didn’t travel to Abu Dhabi following a positive Covid test at the weekend.

And the club’s sports director could prove invaluable as the squad aims to make history and lift the trophy for the Blues for the first time.

Read the full story here.

Ziyech speaks on exile

Hakim Ziyech has opened up on his exile from playing for his country Morocco – as he dramatically quit international football.

Morocco boss Vahid Halihodzic accused Ziyech of “unacceptable behaviour” back in September, accusing the Chelsea man of refusing to play in a Morocco friendly.

Halilhodzic said earlier this week that a return to the international fold is “impossible” for Ziyech, who has now hit back.

In a swipe at the Morocco international manager, Ziyech said he is “sorry for the fans” but that his decision to stop playing for his country “is final”.

He also had some sensational claims about Halihodzic’s version of events.

Read the full story here.