“I can understand” – Tuchel consoles Chelsea star after dropping him from playing XI

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel offers reassurance to Ben Chilwell after preferring Marcos Alonso recently

Speaking before the game against Newcastle United (h/t Metro), Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel reassured Ben Chilwell that he will get his chance to impress as he battles Marcos Alonso for starts.

The Spanish left-back was banished from the first-team by Frank Lampard during the first half the season. He featured in the first 3 league games for the Blues but did not feature again until Tuchel’s appointment.

The German manager has played Alonso in the last three league matches, and also played him in the 1-0 FA Cup win over Burnley. Comparatively, Ben Chilwell has been playing second fiddle.

The 24-year-old has started just once in Chelsea’s last 3 league games and did not feature in the FA Cup victory over the Championship side. Tuchel, however, says that Chilwell is in his plans.

“If he is [concerned], I can absolutely understand… Marcos did a very good match and scored the decisive goal and from there it was hard to come back.”

Chilwell still in Tuchel’s plans

Tuchel adds that Alonso is tough to remove from the XI after he scored against Burnley playing in a back five. He states that Alonso’s familiarity with that position was the decisive factor in his selection. (h/t Metro)

The former PSG boss highlights the fact that he gives every player an equal chance and does not take into factor the amount of money the club spent on them. He assures Chilwell that he sees the left-back’s potential.

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Chilwell would be hoping to get more starts under his belt as the season goes on. Otherwise, Luke Shaw’s form at Manchester United could be a threat to his England starting berth at UEFA Euros. (h/t Metro)