Thomas Tuchel: Top four finish is Chelsea's priority ahead of Everton clash

Thomas Tuchel has revealed that he believes finishing in the top four this season is the priority for Chelsea.

The Blues begin their Premier League campaign at Goodison Park on Saturday at 5:30pm, against Frank Lampard’s Everton.

Chelsea will be hoping to improve on last season, where they finished third in the Premier League table, lifting the UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup.

Tuchel’s side had the chance to make it four trophies in the season, but fell to defeat in both the domestic cup finals to Liverpool, missing out through penalty shoot-outs on both occasions. 

Chelsea's head coach Thomas Tuchel portrait during Udinese Calcio vs Chelsea FC. (Alamy)

However, the German has played down expectations ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, stating that finishing in the Champions League spots is the priority for his side.

Speaking to Chelsea’s website, he said: “My feeling is always that everybody is first of all in the race for top four, and then second of all in the title race.

"I have never heard different from this from Jurgen (Klopp) or Pep (Guardiola).

“It is super ambitious and super challenging, if you are in March or April in the title race, you go for the title. You make sure of top four because this is the priority and the first race to take. We are challenging for that and there’s no shame in it.”

This comes after Tuchel previously stated that his side were not prepared for the new season.

Following the Blues’ 4-0 loss to Arsenal in pre-season, Tuchel admitted that the Gunners were more ready for the new season.

Speaking ahead of the clash against Everton, Tuchel has provided an update on his feelings.

“When I said that Arsenal seemed more ready, I speak with my words – they were more ready,” he admitted.

“They played in pre-season with more or less the same starting 11. 

“They had one or two signings to complete their group and they had a clear idea of what they want.

Thomas Tuchel speaking to the press ahead of Chelsea's Premier League opener. (Chelsea FC)

"From there, they had a team to build and of course also an atmosphere and attitude. 

“We suffered against them but there were reasons we were not at this point, which we have to accept.”

Chelsea will be hopeful of getting a good start as they travel to Merseyside to face a familiar face in Frank Lampard.

The Blues then face Tottenham Hotspur against another former Chelsea manager in Antonio Conte as they look for a bright start to the Premier League season.