“I don’t expect him to go” – Tuchel slams Chelsea star as he opens door to Chelsea exit
According to reports, Armando Broja’s departure from Chelsea’s first team preseason on Monday morning appeared to be a confirmation that his long-term future lay elsewhere, but Thomas Tuchel’s comments in his press conference today have turned the situation around.
Tuchel insisted “I don’t expect Armando to leave,” blowing up everyone’s expectations of how things are going to work this summer.
His quotes, as picked up by Nizaar Kinsella of the Evening Standard, paint a picture of a player whose status is pretty safe in Tuchel’s mind, at least for the rest of preseason.
The boss said he was “aware” that Broja was there trying to impress him and become a Chelsea player “as soon as possible.”
West Ham are bidding hard for a permanent switch, and Broja’s removal from the training camp felt like it was in preparation for that move. That always seemed like an extreme reaction, given how much Chelsea need forward options.
Tuchel on Broja's future: "I don't expect Armando to leave. We are aware of offers and interest. We will take this decision together with the owner and the player. When he was here I was aware that he was trying to impress and become a Chelsea player as soon as possible." #CFC
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) July 19, 2022