Thomas Tuchel reveals he is unwilling to support Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta’s plan to leave for Barcelona, claiming that he must put the goals of his team over individual players.
The experienced defender has made no secret of his intention to join Andreas Christensen in heading to Camp Nou this summer.
The signing of Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli, Chelsea’s biggest summer signing so far, technically should open the way for Azpilicueta to fulfill his desire, but considering how Tuchel still sees a purpose for the Spaniard at Stamford Bridge, the manager is unwilling to let him go.
Tuchel on Barcelona pushing Azpi: “Maybe I’m a little bit annoyed with Barça. But I do my best for Chelsea. I said that to Azpilicueta, he doesn’t like it – but he understands”. 🚨🔵 #CFC
“It is tough for him because the other club [Barça] is permanently on him”. pic.twitter.com/5LNKRBzNpE
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 22, 2022
What Are Tuchel’s Views On Cesc Azpilicueta’s Transfer Potentials?
See Also: Chelsea Meet Sevilla’s Demands For Kounde With New €65m Transfer Offer
“It’s a tough question because I am not sure if I want to give Azpi what he wants,” Tuchel said, admitting that was “maybe a little bit” irked by Barcelona’s insistent pursuit. “At some point it is about what we want.
“I just made the comparison about how much we fought for [Kalidou] Koulibaly, who is a national team player and roughly the same age. He is a hugely important player for Napoli but we have a Spanish international who is the captain at Chelsea. I see him maybe at the same level but Barcelona don’t see him on that level.
“So I am not sure if I want to give him what he wants as he is a huge player. We don’t think so much about other clubs. The focus is on us and what we need. I said that to him and I say it to you that I understand on a personal and a career level.
“But I am not only in this role to give him what he wants. I am a manager for Chelsea who wants to do what’s best for Chelsea. He doesn’t like it but he understands. It is tough for him because the other club is permanently on him. On the first of September when things calm down, then he can play on his highest level.”
Will Cesc Azpilicueta Be Transferred To Barcelona?
Although sources claim Chelsea may yet give in and let the Spaniard move to Camp Nou, Tuchel’s words imply the Blues may refuse to yield, especially if Barcelona are unable to provide the money needed by the club.
The Premier League team has no reason to accept a ridiculous offer for one of their most important players and a pillar of their success over the previous five years, even though they are financially sound owing to Todd Boehly’s ownership.
However, with the club’s well-known financial problems already potentially stretched by a double bid for Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, doubts will be raised about whether Barcelona can lift the bar even higher. These challenges have been temporarily resolved by a couple of high transfers away from the field.
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