Tuchel sends ‘strong warning’ to Chelsea board about this signing after Super cup victory
According to reports, Chelsea youngster Trevoh Chalobah has left an impression on Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel.
The 22-year-old came through Chelsea’s academy, and spent the last three seasons on loan at Ipswich Town, Huddersfield and Ligue 1 side Lorient.
Chalobah was set for another loan spell, but reports last week claimed that Tuchel had told the Chelsea board to keep Chalobah.
According to Goal, Tuchel has been so impressed with the player that he told the club not to sell him ‘at any cost’.
Speaking after the 2-2 draw with Tottenham during pre-season, Tuchel revealed that he was pleased with the performance of the young defender.
“We know him from Lorient and Chalo has done very well in pre-season,” Tuchel said after Chelsea’s pre-season draw with Tottenham last week.
“We wanted to continue in the back three, so there was space in the back until Zouma and Toni arrived. Then there was one space left but then Andreas Christensen, Reece and Azpi are back then there is a huge competition for him.
“He’s done very well in both games and within his potential and limits that was nice to see. He played a good match, I agree.”
Valencia are believed to be interested in the young Chalobah, and the club are yet to make a final decision on his future.
Tuchel gave the defender a chance to play 120 minutes of football in the Super Cup clash against Villarreal, and speaking afterwards, the Blues boss was pleased with his performance and also admitted that he could have a role in the team.
Asked if Chalobah has forced his way into his thinking for this season, Tuchel said: “Absolutely that’s why he played. He played good against Arsenal and he played a good game also against Bournemouth, then Arsenal, then Tottenham. We wanted to have guys on the fireld who are capable to play 90 minutes.
“Trevoh was first in training the very first in training and is physically strong and deserved to play by his performances so far and again today he was very strong.
“He suffered in some moments but later with Azpi by his side and Jorgi close to him and helping him in tactical organisation he stepped again up.
“He never lost face and stayed calm and was physical enough to play 120 minutes. It was quite impressive. He forced his way into our thinking. Let’s see how it goes.
“We still have some days to decide his personal future but in the moment he shows his value to the team.”
Chelsea may end up with the signing of Jules Kounde this summer, but Tuchel has told the board that Chalobah shouldn’t be sold, and if he does go out on loan this season, he’d be needed in the first team next season, when Cesar Azpilicueta may have aged a bit more.