Thomas Tuchel gave his verdict on whether Chelsea need a striker like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Speaking in the press conference (h/t Football.London) ahead of the next league game against Leeds United, Thomas Tuchel gave his verdict on whether Chelsea needs a striker like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in their squad to compete in a season.
The Blues manager did not specifically mention the player’s name, but emphasized on the fact that a squad needs to have players fighting for spots and fighting to get minutes on the field. He mentioned the importance of having depth in the squad, which is as necessary as having team spirit and tactics.
Aubameyang has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in the past few days and weeks. As of now, it is being said that the personal terms are almost agreed, but Chelsea are only interested in spending £15m, otherwise they would walk away from the deal.
Talking about the need of a striker like the 33-year-old Barcelona man, here’s what Tuchel said:
“I believe we can compete with this group, but it’s one thing to compete once a week and it’s another to compete 60 times a year and three times a week.”
“You need to have players who challenge for their place and challenge for their minutes. It does not come down only to tactics and team spirit, it’s also about the depth in the squad and the challenge.”
Although the sample size of this season is just two games, Chelsea do look like they could do with more additions in the forward line. Tuchel’s comments hint toward the fact that he could be wanting more players in his team for added depth.
With Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner gone, the dependence is on the trio of Kai Havertz, Raheem Sterling and Mason Mount to create and score goals. Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech are out of favour at the moment.
Moreover, none of the three players mentioned are out-and-out strikers. So, who will have a 30-goal season to propel the team to finish higher in the table and win some trophies? Currently, apart from Armando Broja, no one.
Even when the Blues had a striker in Lukaku last season, the profile of the player did not suit the way Tuchel wants to play. Having worked together at Borussia Dortmund before, Aubameyang is certain to have a better idea of what the manager wants, be it pressing from the front or making certain types of runs to support the wide players.
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- Graeme Souness not in favour of Chelsea signing Anthony Gordon
Even at 33, the former Gabon international showed he is not slowing down. He scored 11 goals in 17 La Liga appearances in the latter half of last season after joining from Arsenal in January.