Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel reflects on the Blues’ transfer activity in the January transfer window
According to football.london, speaking in the pre-match press conference, Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has said that he was satisfied and calm about the club’s transfer activity in the winter transfer window, despite not making any signings to the first team.
The club did not see any new faces being added to the senior squad, in what was a quiet January for the Blues. Despite the long-term injury issues with defenders Ben Chilwell and Reece James, Chelsea did not dip into the transfer market to provide cover for their sidelined stars.
Tuchel admitted that the club had several plans in place to sign players in the transfer window but ultimately stuck with the decision to play on with the available stars in the club. The German also hinted at the fact that James would be available soon, as the second half of the season kicks on.
“We tried and had ideas. But in the end we stick to what we have and are happy. Reece will come back at some point, unfortunatley not Ben Chilwell, but Reece will comeback and compete for a place in the squad.”
The German also praised club captain Cesar Azpilicueta, saying that the skipper had been doing a fantastic job for the club in place of James in the right-back position. Tuchel appreciated the Spaniard for maintaining his form through this period, and providing him with solutions within the squad.
Demebe rumours squashed
Throughout January, Chelsea were linked with Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele, who looked set to leave Barcelona before the transfer window deadline. This was also sparked by Tuchel claiming that he was still in contact with the player, given their prior relationship, when they worked together at Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga for a while.
However, Tuchel has now quashed all rumours of any possible communication taking place between him and Dembele in the winter, claiming he was happy with the outcome of the January transfer window.
“I am satisfied because it was a clam window and to be calm was the best thing. We were open for things. I did not have contact with Ousmane [Dembele]. There was no contact in winter between us.”
January only saw the club make significant moves for academy talents, with the only incomings being youngsters Mason Burstow from League One side Charlton Athletic and Dylan Williams from Derby County. The players are expected to join the youth teams at the club academy.
Though not a transfer, the Blues also recalled winger Kenedy from his loan spell at Flamengo last month, with a bid to use him as cover for the injured Chilwell. However, it remains to be seen whether the Brazilian will be utilised by Tuchel for the rest of the season.
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With trophies such as the Carabao Cup, FA Cup, FIFA Club World, and the Champions League still up for grabs for Chelsea, fans would have liked to see a few new faces come in during January to help the club stand the best chance to win some silverware. With the club running deep in these competitions, Tuchel will need as many players as available to stand up and deliver when called upon.
After a long international break, Tuchel will hope that his players return to the club rejuvenated and with their batteries recharged. A long second half of the season still awaits, and so does the opportunity of winning some silverware. The Blues’ first test since the break will be to go up against Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup this weekend.