Chelsea’s 2012 UCL-winning hero praises Tuchel’s summer business so far

Club News: Roberto Di Matteo has praised Thomas Tuchel for the business conducted so far

Chelsea legendary coach Roberto Di Matteo has praised Thomas Tuchel for the business the club has conducted so far. This comes after the London club signed Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly earlier this month.

In an interview published in Football. London, the former Champions League-winning coach Di Matteo praised Tuchel for the signings. He was present at a press event in Florida with Tuchel ahead of the Blues’ friendly against Arsenal on Sunday.

“The two signings so far have been absolutely brilliant for the club. I think they’ve done very well. Two great players, top quality players. They’re already part of a very successful team but the talent and the skills they bring could unlock defences for the club and it’s going be a very big asset.”

Tuchel and co-owner Todd Boehly with the capable work of Behdad Eghbali have been able to sign two world-class players and are said to be linked to quite a few others. The quick signings of Sterling and Koulibaly demonstrate the quick understanding that has developed among the trio.

 Raheem Sterling is a statement signing for Chelsea. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Raheem Sterling is a statement signing for Chelsea. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Along with this, the club has been able to keep their young talented prospects at Cobham and are building a squad that would allow Tuchel to mount a title challenge next season. The squad is currently in the United States for their pre-season tour.

Sterling showed his quality in the last game against Charlotte when he was one of the best players on the pitch, despite coming on in the second half. His pace was unmatched and Chelsea looked really threatening with him on the run. But despite all that, the Blues lost the game 5-3 on penalties.

Koulibaly was not included in the last match squad but is expected to play against Arsenal on Sunday. At 31, he is one of the best defenders in the world and will no doubt showcase his class against their London rivals.

Kalidou Koulibaly is expected to make his debut against Arsenal on Sunday. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Kalidou Koulibaly is expected to make his debut against Arsenal on Sunday. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Chelsea fans will no doubt be excited about their new centre-back’s debut. The Blues are also linked with a few other players in the market while some from the current squad are expected to leave. Which new faces arrive and which familiar faces leave, remains to be seen.

The Chelsea boss will hope to have his house in order before the new season starts. Tuchel will hope to start his preferred eleven on August 6 when the Blues will travel to Goodison Park for their opening match day.

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He would also be buoyed after getting that praise from De Matteo, who memorably led Chelsea to their first-ever UEFA Champions League title back in 2022.