Chelsea boss does not regret his handling of defender’s contract situation
Thomas Tuchel insists his public efforts to try to convince Andreas Christensen to sign a new Chelsea deal did not backfire.
Denmark defender Christensen is understood to be on the brink of completing a free-transfer move to Barcelona this summer.
Christensen appeared close to completing terms on a new Chelsea contract in November, with Tuchel even challenging the 25-year-old to commit to the Stamford Bridge club in order to fulfil his rich potential.
Christensen changed agents in December however, and the arrival of new advisers ushered in an apparent change of heart on his long-term future.
Barcelona expect to take Christensen to the Nou Camp in the summer, with Chelsea boss Tuchel insisting any decision from the Denmark star must be respected.
Tuchel was also adamant that Christensen will continue to give his all for Chelsea, starting with Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid.
Asked if public overtures towards Christensen might have unwittingly worked against Chelsea, Tuchel replied: “The situation of the club was pretty sure. I think I gave you an honest statement that he is in exactly the right place for his journey.
“That he could continue with this club and become the defender that he can be, the real personality and the playing minutes figure that he wants to be.
“In my opinion, he shouldn’t forget where he comes from, where his eduction comes from, where is home and that’s just my opinion.
“He needs that kind of environment to bring the best out of him. That’s just my opinion and I gave it some weeks ago but the talks in autumn and the summer were constant talks.
“We are in (an) exchange with our players of course. I hope that my talks didn’t make him want to leave but I don’t