Tuchel offers telling detail about Cavani mood amid Man Utd, Chelsea links

Edinson Cavani TEAMtalk

Paris Saint-Germain boss Thomas Tuchel has admitted that striker Edinson Cavani, who has been linked with Manchester United and Chelsea, is “lacking rhythm and confidence”.

Cavani, who has less than six months left on his current deal in the French capital, has been in and out of the team due to both injury and his lack of form.

The 32-year-old Uruguayan has only made 14 appearances all season with hip, calf and groin strains – as well as Mauro Icardi’s electric spells – keeping him out of the team.

As such, Cavani has been heavily linked with a move away this month, with Chelsea boss Frank Lampard admitting that he is not looking past bringing in experience up top.

Furthermore, United have been credited with interest given that Marcus Rashford will be out until at least April with a serious back injury.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday (via Goal), Tuchel opened up on Cavani’s frustrations.

“For now he is on the bench and lacking game time. He is lacking rhythm and confidence,” the manager said.

“[Confidence] is the most important thing, especially for goalscorers, but that’s the way it is. In big clubs, there are players with a lot of quality but there is tough competition and it is not easy for him.

“I am aware of it and I understand it completely and I am very happy to see that he is still professional. If someone is injured, we will have a wonderful substitute.

 

 

“If he is able to find a rhythm again, we will be able to put him on the pitch and someone else on the bench. But he is lacking it, so it is really difficult to only help during one game.

“We still have this in mind but this is why it would be better for him to be part of the group, but he still has problems with his groin.”

Cavani joined PSG from Napoli in 2013 and has made 293 appearances to date, scoring 198 goals.

In other transfer news, Newcastle are reportedly interested in offering Tottenham defender Danny Rose a loan deal until the end of the season.

The Magpies have lost both Paul Dummett and Jetro Willems to injury and boss Steve Bruce, who has had Rose on his radar since the summer, is set to move for the England international.

The Telegraph claims that Spurs manager Jose Mourinho is open to the player leaving if the right offer comes in.

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