New Chelsea boss, Thomas Tuchel has said he would give the club’s academy graduates “every chance” to fight for their place in the first team, but warns he will not hand “gifts” to any player.
He said this when he was asked about the importance of the vast number of academy graduates in his side during his media conference to preview tomorrow’s trip to Tottenham.
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It would be recalled that Chelsea former Boss Frank Lampard placed an emphasis on giving chances to players produced by Chelsea academy, having one of the strongest academies in Europe.
The likes of Mason Mount, Tammy Abraham and Reece James became regular first team players under Frank Lampard, who believed in them.
Tuchel caused an unease among Chelsea supporters when he named a number of old players in his starting XI for his first game against Wolves.
He explained he needed to rely on experience after just one training session with his new squad. Mason Mount, Callum Hudson-odoi and Tammy Abraham have featured in the German’s opening two games in charge, while Reece James came off the bench during the victory against Burnley.
Tuchel during the media conference expressed;
The guys have been here, it’s a pleasure to work with them. First of all, they have the quality but they also have the physical ability to play in the English Premier League. I know how hard it is to play for Chelsea and compete for titles but this is the challenge.
He added;
I’m very pleased that all the Chelsea boys in the squad now are absolutely aware of that and that this challenge that is so hard. It does something to you, to your character and your approach to games and training. It’s crucial that we have this and we rely on them, trust them and don’t confuse them being young and maybe inexperienced with a lack of quality or needing other players. They will be given every chance to make their steps and leave their footsteps here.
In the end, we also have to accept it’s about quality and delivering in the moment when you need to deliver. There are no gifts for anyone.
Chelsea’s visit to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will be Tuchel’s first experience of a London derby, as well as his first career meeting with Jose Mourinho. However, he may have to do without Kurt Zouma and Kai Havertz after they both suffered knocks in training on Wednesday
