Thomas Tuchel hints at Chelsea opting against signing a new midfielder this summer
Speaking to the media after Chelsea’s defeat to Leeds United (h/t Football.London), manager Thomas Tuchel hinted at the possibility of not signing a new midfielder in the remaining days of this summer transfer window.
Tuchel was asked whether a tame performance against Leeds United, which led to an embarrassing 3-0 defeat at Elland Road, meant that this squad needed a midfield signing to compete. His response was not promising and pointed to the players already on the Blues roster.
When reminded that two of them – N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic are injured, the response of an emphatic statement is that they are injured and have not disappeared anywhere.
Another midfielder? We have Jorginho, N’Golo Kante, we have Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Conor Gallagher, Mateo Kovacic….
They’re injured, yes, it’s a problem. But they will come back. They’ve not disappeared.
Chelsea have been repeatedly linked with Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong during this transfer window, and they have been in the race for the Dutchman with Premier League rivals Manchester United.
But, reading between the lines at Tuchel’s response post-match, it seems as if he is adamant that this squad doesn’t need an addition in the midfield department. Whether that turns out to be the right decision, remains to be seen.
The Blues did miss Kante and Kovacic during their thumping defeat at the hands of Leeds. Although two of the three goals conceded were a goalkeeper mistake and a set-piece, they did lack control and consistent quality in the middle of the park.
Jorginho was repeatedly getting beaten in duels, while the likes of Conor Gallagher and Ruben Loftus-Cheek in the second half struggled to impose their game on the opposition.
More Chelsea News:
- Chelsea could still sign Jules Kounde if Barcelona fail to register him
- Romelu Lukaku is suggesting Inter Milan sign Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah
- Thomas Tuchel gave his verdict on whether Chelsea need a striker like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Generally, when a team loses midfield battles in a game, they end up losing the game or dropping points in it. So, it is imperative for Tuchel to drill more discipline and cohesion to his midfield players available in the squad, provided he is not looking to add anyone.