Tuchel admits interest in reported Chelsea targets; warns about Silva injury
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel insists that while he does have an interest in players such as Erling Haaland, he will not discuss potential transfers in public.
Upon arriving at Stamford Bridge in January, Tuchel inherited a team that some managers could only dream of.
After a transfer window of hefty spending, the likes of Hakim Ziyech and Kai Havertz have yet to reach their full potential.
On the flipside, the German manager has outlined his admiration for more long-serving players such as N’Golo Kante.
However, there remains speculation that the Blues will undertake more big transfers under their new manager. Indeed, Borussia Dortmund striker Haaland and RB Leipzig centre-back Dayot Upamecano are supposedly among his targets.
But the manager told his press conference (via football.london) on Wednesday: “I can understand the interest in the question and the interest of every fan and supporter to talk about these subjects. I am always a fan and am interested in what’s going on.
“But now it is February and there is long way to go. As you get to know me, you will know I will not talk about other players who are under contract.
“This is the type of respect I show. Everything else will be decided behind closed doors. I’m sorry.”
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel lauds N'Golo Kante
Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel lauds N'Golo Kante and explains why he rates the French midfielder so highly.
Both players – given their ages – are among the most coveted in their respective positions. Haaland, 20, has netted 38 goals in 40 Dortmund games while Upamecano has proven a reliable presence at the back for Leipzig.
But Chelsea have already sanctioned recent transfer activity on their defence, with Thiago Silva arriving in August.
The Brazilian, though, pulled up in the 1-0 win at Tottenham with a thigh injury. As such, he missed Sunday’s 2-1 victory at Sheffield United.
Tuchel talks Silva injury
Asked for an update ahead of Thursday’s FA Cup fifth-round tie with Barnsley, Tuchel said: “Thiago’s out; he’s feeling better and better all the time and he’s getting a lot of treatment.
“I know him very well from the last few years together at PSG, so we can all be absolutely sure that Thiago’s spending absolutely every minute available to speed up the process of healing.
“But it takes its time, it’s a muscle injury, we cannot force it; we cannot pull the grass to make it grow faster.
“That’s how it is with muscle injuries, so he’s out for tomorrow for sure.”
Meanwhile, reports have also claimed that ex-PSG boss Tuchel is an admirer of the French club’s youngster Kays Ruiz-Atil.
