Club News: Thomas Tuchel played a key part in convincing Raheem Sterling to join Chelsea
A difference between a good coach and an elite coach is his influence on and off the field. Thomas Tuchel just showed everyone why he is one of the best in the world in that regard. According to football.london, one phone call from Tuchel was more than enough to convince Raheem Sterling to pack his bags.
Chelsea’s interest in the 27-year-old was public knowledge. The west London outfit was one of the favourites to land the player, but there were other clubs sniffing around. However, that situation changed completely, when Tuchel and Sterling had a conversation over the phone.
The talks were said to be positive and Sterling was convinced of Tuchel’s vision. He was also being monitored by Real Madrid. However, it was Tuchel who sold Chelsea to Sterling, and in the process, proved his elite management is just not limited to the field.
To convince a top player to leave a club like Manchester City, where you are assured to be favourites for domestic trophies, is no small feat. That also shows that the Blues remain a big destination for some of the biggest players in the world.
Meanwhile, Tuchel while speaking to Sky Sports News, described himself as “super happy” and explained that the England international would be a “big improvement” to the squad. The German tactician has been overseeing a major squad overhaul and is currently tasked with assembling a top squad to mount a title challenge next season.
“The signing of Raheem shows what we’re capable of doing, it shows the ambition of the club and the ownership and it’s good because we’re all here to win and compete. We love to compete and we love the challenge at the very top. For that we need signings of new quality players or otherwise there’s no chance.”
Another aspect that allowed such a smooth negotiation between the two rival clubs was that there were no agents involved. Sterling handled the talks himself as he wanted the best deal possible for him- one that includes a regular first-team spot. The player’s heart was set on Chelsea and City were not interested in playing hardball.
Tuchel, meanwhile, has given a hint as to who the next signing could be. He has said that signing a forward is not a priority at the moment, as he now focuses on adding players to his backline. The next announcement, if any, is hoping that of a defender. Who that will be is one to watch out for.
Sterling has joined the squad in the United States for pre-season. The fans will likely get to watch their new signing play in a Chelsea shirt during this month, hopefully against Club America on July 17.
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- Transfer News: Barcelona move for Cesar Azpilicueta not imminent
With Romelu Lukaku gone, the stage is set for Sterling to shoulder the responsibility to be a vital goal-scorer for us. He may play out wide on most occasions, but he has shown that he can get the goals for his team as well.