Thomas Tuchel believes Mason Mount’s opening goal in last night’s Champions League quarter-final against Porto represented a “big step” in the Chelsea midfielder’s development.
Mount, 22, struck the opening goal before Ben Chilwell added a second to give Chelsea a strong chance of reaching the semi-finals for the first time in seven years.
Mount, a product of the club’s academy, has added important goals to his game this season and Tuchel thinks his eighth of the campaign marks a significant moment.
“It was a bit static our game, but the finishing was clinical,” the Chelsea manager said. “The finish from Mason was excellent. He has the quality to do this and to do it in a quarter-final is a big step for him and a big, big help for the team.
“He’s a very important player for our squad. He has the right mentality . . . and he has the right attitude towards success. He has both feet on the ground.”
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Tuchel described two away goals and a clean sheet as a “precious result” ahead of Tuesday’s second leg in Seville. He had expected a response after his 14-game unbeaten start came to an surprise end against West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League on Saturday.
“It’s half-time [in the tie] and we experienced what can happen in football last Saturday,” Tuchel said. “I feel a good atmosphere in the dressing-room.
“We had a loss together and now we have a reaction after a loss together which brings us closer together and increases the trust straight after the last match.”
