​Chelsea boss Tuchel expected tough Southampton clash | OneFootball

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel was not surprised that Southampton took his side to the wire in the Carabao Cup.

The Blues did rotate their squad for the midweek fixture, and squeaked through into the next round on penalties.

After the game ended in a 1-1 draw, the Blues were more confident from the spot, progressing to the latter stages at the Saints' expense.

"We were expecting it to be difficult," said Tuchel, per the club' website.

"We had some last-minute changes. Three potential starters got injured in training yesterday. It was not planned like this, so we had not so many options from the bench to not overuse players.

"We knew it was the first time we played together in this selection and we knew it would be tough against a team that put so much pressure on you. That's the way it was.

'It was a nice match of football from both teams, a really tough match, and in the end we are happy to win the penalty shoot-out."

He added: "When you play Southampton you know what you get, intensity, high pressing, a team full of courage and speed.

"It's their identity. You have to accept things get tough, and the challenges are constantly there. That's why I am happy with the performance and the result."