Chelsea boss Tuchel happy winding up Kovacic over timekeeping | OneFootball

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has been spotted winding up Mateo Kovacic over his poor timekeeping.

The Croatian failed to report for a training session on time as he was still getting ready more than a quarter of an hour after it began.

And Tuchel took the opportunity to poke fun at the 27-year-old midfielder while he sat in the dressing room.

As Kovacic slipped into his footwear, Tuchel could be seen telling the camera: "11 o'clock is training. Putting on the boots at 11:19.

"It's not acceptable."

Prior to the winter break, Tuchel's men solidified their position in the top four with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Tottenham.

And they return to action in the FA Cup on February 5 when they host League One side Plymouth Argyle.

Chelsea will then jet off to the Middle East to compete in the Club World Cup in the UAE.

Their next Premier League fixture is not due to take place until February 19 when they travel to Crystal Palace.