Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel has revealed his admiration for West Ham United ahead of Sunday's Premier League fixture between the two clubs,
The Blues head into the contest at Stamford Bridge with a 10-point advantage over the seventh-placed Hammers, who have also played two games more than their hosts.
However, as well as taking into account that West Ham have already defeated Chelsea this season, Tuchel has talked up the qualities of the East Londoners, admitting that he watches many of their matches.
Speaking to reporters at a press conference, Tuchel said: "It's a very popular club. Emotional club. A team with a manager which is enjoyable to watch. We follow the Europa League games, I follow a lot of their games because it is nice to watch.
"Full investment physically, the players are absolutely tired after their matches. It's a very emotional and physical squad, very hard to break down, very hard to create chances, very very dangerous in counter-attacks and set pieces, so there is a lot to take care about.
"It's a lot of physicality and a lot of commitment to stand up against them. Full credit to them and it will be a very tough one, of course."
Tuchel also dissected Chelsea's defensive problems during Friday's media briefing after witnessing his team concede 13 goals in six games.
Darren Plant
