Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech, Kai Havertz and Chelsea stars prepare for 'brutal' end of season - in pictures

Manager Thomas Tuchel says there 'is no time to breathe' with so many fixtures

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Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel said he is relishing the challenge of competing in three different competitions with games coming thick and fast.

With Chelsea still involved in the FA Cup and the Champions League, the London club played eight games in April after last month's international break, taking part in a midweek match every week.

After overseeing Timo Werner, Christian Pulisic, Hakim Ziyech and the other Chelsea stars in training, Tuchel, the former manager of Paris Saint Germain, said: "It's brutal. We played in France the same amount of games ... but, of course, the challenge and intensity of this league is different.

"It is another level, quite relentless. But it keeps you on your front foot and getting out of bed early. There is simply no time to breathe, to sit back and get too relaxed or comfortable. This is a good thing."

Chelsea, who are fourth in the Premier League, play a London derby against Fulham on Saturday with one eye on their Champions League semi-final, second leg against Real Madrid on Wednesday. They drew the first leg 1-1 in Madrid.

"Fulham is a good chance to keep our advantage in the league, nothing else," Tuchel said, with West Ham United three points behind.

"I know very well it is a match between two semi-finals, it is not a usual week but I'm happy. It is the moment to prove to ourselves that we can focus our energy into tomorrow's game."