圖赫爾：凱帕需要決定未來、詹姆士還能更強、感謝球迷支持我 - 切爾西足球俱樂部 Chelsea Football Club

https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/2022/05/20/
tuchel-discusses-kepa-s-future--thanks-fans-for-his-new-banner-a

Tuchel discusses Kepa's future, thanks fans for his new banner and
assesses James's potential

20 May 2022


With the season now days away from its domestic conclusion, Thomas
Tuchel's attention has started to turn towards the future and what his
squad might look like at the start of the next campaign.


https://i.imgur.com/Pbe1Pnb.jpg


Following Thursday's 1-1 draw with Leicester City, the Blues have all but
secured a top-three finish in the Premier League courtesy of our vastly
superior goal difference over fourth-placed Tottenham. We host Watford at
Stamford Bridge on Sunday with little more than pride on the line and a
desire to sign off in style ahead of the summer break.


While our change of ownership has left Tuchel hamstrung in making early
transfer plans, the Chelsea head coach clearly has ideas about which
players might depart and arrive in west London over the coming months.


Kepa Arrizabalaga's future remains the subject of speculation at the end
of a season in which the 27-year-old has made four league appearances and
Tuchel acknowledges that the Spaniard has been frustrated at his lack of
game time, even if Edouard Mendy has performed impressively as our first
choice between the sticks.


'It depends what he wants and what his plans are,' said the boss on Kepa's
future, speaking during his final pre-match press conference of the season.


'I know that we are very privileged to have Edou and Kepa in our squad but
I also know for sure that Kepa is not happy about the situation because he
deserved to play more and he can be a very strong number one. He arrived
as a number one so the situation is not easy. He has been a fantastic team
player since day one and never let anybody down.


https://i.imgur.com/n2sXUWZ.jpg
Kepa's future 'depends on what he wants and what his plans are'


'We did not have a conversation yet but I know that the goalkeeper coaches
have these conversations at the moment and then we will take our time to
speak with him and reflect on what's best and what the possibilities are.
As a coach, of course I'm super happy to have both strong goalkeepers so
let's see.'


While Marcos Alonso got the goal that earned us a point against the Foxes,
it was his fellow wing-back Reece James who caught the eye once again with
an energetic display across the pitch.


The England international played in a number of positions throughout,
including in midfield and further forward, with Tuchel left praising his
ability and potential, while also bemoaning the fact that injuries have
curtailed his involvement for much of this term.


'He has everything what it takes to be one of the very best but there is a
long way to go for Reece,' explained Tuchel. 'He has incredible potential
and ability - the foundation, the body and the mindset to make his way to
the very top.


https://i.imgur.com/6ptyJPJ.jpg
Reece registered his ninth assist of the season against Leicester


'There's still a long way to go but we will support him and push him that
he can be that player for Chelsea. We lacked huge quality this season from
Reece, N'Golo Kante and Ben Chilwell. It's maybe a miracle that we are in
the top three for the whole season without these key players because we
missed them for weeks and weeks.'


After guiding the team to another two trophies this season, following on
from our heroic Champions League triumph a year ago, Chelsea supporters
unveiled a new banner in homage to the boss prior to kick-off against
Leicester.


Tuchel's face said it all when he spotted the display after emerging from
the tunnel and he expressed his gratitude to the fans for the act of
support.


https://i.imgur.com/ZBUXlOS.jpg
A new display for Tuchel was unveiled in the Shed End prior to kick-off


'I was very happy,' he admitted. 'I never had any banner and I was
actually looking at the banner for Mason Mount until somebody told me
there's another banner on the other side. It's very nice so thank you very
much. I will do my best to earn it.'

--

"Gracchus, something more cheerful."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgUPSBZV_pM

- Rome: Season 1, Episode 3

--