Thomas Tuchel confirms Marcos Alonso is in talks over Chelsea exit | OneFootball

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has addressed the media ahead of his side’s clash with Tottenham on Sunday.

This is the best of what he had to say.

On Marcos Alonso’s future

“Marcos Alonso is not in training and is trying to finalise a transfer.”

On need for signings

“We could strengthen our squad in strength and depth but it’s one thing what you wish for and another thing what’s possible. We’re looking for top quality. You don’t always get what you wish for. There are still some days to go [in the window].

“We could also use one more central defender, looking at the numbers, because we play with a back three.

“We will not panic and we will not try to sign players we are not 100% convinced about. All signings so far are fantastic signings and will help us.”

On working with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

“It was a pleasure. Some players stay your players because you were very close and Auba is one of these players. Even when we played against him with Arsenal, straight away there was this close bond.”

On keeping Harry Kane and Heung-min Son quiet

“I will not tell you. They have a pattern in their offensive pressing and how they defend. It’s important we are good on the ball, the dominant team and hopefully put the game into the opponents’ half.

“We then have to control the counter attack. They are maybe one of the best teams in the world on counter attack. We did a fantastic job last season of closing it down.”

On Spurs closing the gap

“I never felt a huge gap in preparing for these matches [last season]. They’re a very competitive and talented squad. I know what we invested to beat them four times and not concede a goal … it was a huge effort.

“I I don’t believe everything Antonio Conte says before games like this. He’s a coach I admire a lot. Every team he trains competes for everything and that is what he is proving now.”

On Raheem Sterling’s role

“I think he should play on the last line or between the defensive lines, to drive with the ball at the last line. There’s such a lot of quality that there are a lot of spaces to use him.”