Thomas Tuchel says his Chelsea side failed to show enough ‘courage’ in the close 1-0 win over Barnsley.
The Blues reached the FA Cup quarter-finals thanks to a winning goal from Tammy Abraham.
The Englishman struck in the 64th minute after being set up by substitute Reece James.
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Abraham was the hero at the other end, too. He headed a Barnsley shot over on the line after Kepa Arrizabalaga failed to clear in the box.
Chelsea will now play Sheff Utd at home in March to try and secure their place in the semi-finals.
Speaking after the match, Tuchel told BBC Sport: “We changed to a back four and took Marcos [Alonso] out for this tactical change. Andreas [Christensen] had to go out because he had a headache. The changes made it a little easier to get into the opponents half and overcome the first press.
“We did it well at the start of the second half and played constantly in the opponents half.
“We scored the goal and I had the feeling that they increased the risk but we stepped down in the little decisions. Not enough courage and it was too deep for a long, long time.
“We clearly can play better, so yes I expected more but not in terms that I am frustrated.
“If you lack a rhythm and a bit of self-confidence and you have to show on this pitch, against an opponent that takes all the risk and plays the game of his life, that is not easy. We can do better but I don’t want to be too hard on the players.”
Barnsley will feel they could have won the cup tie. Callum Brittain saw an early chance saved by Arrizabalaga. He also sent a shot wide after Barnsley opened up the Blues with a well-worked corner.
Chelsea ultimately managed to get the job done away from home.
Speaking about the upcoming match against Sheff Utd, Tuchel continued: “It’s going to be a tough one. They are a very physical team that presses high. They are organised but I am happy to have a home game. This is what we wanted.”
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