Tuchel ‘calm’ on issue of Chelsea duo’s future
Thomas Tuchel says he remains “calm” about Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen’s contract situations – and indicated that they want to stay at Chelsea.
The contracts of both defenders expire at the end of the season and they are yet to agree new deals.
That opens up the prospect of them negotiating with European clubs in January and moving on free transfers next summer.
Rudiger has been linked with the likes of Bayern Munich, but Blues boss Tuchel does not believe his fellow German will be affected by the speculation over his future.
Speaking about Rudiger, Tuchel said: “I think it’s pretty clear what we want.
“But sometimes you can end up in situations where things are in a bit of a delay and things maybe take their time.
“I am very sure that Toni feels how respected he is and the important role he has at this club.
“I’m calm, I feel Toni calm, I feel the situation calm here inside. I’m happy he plays how he plays.”
And Tuchel added: “Of course there are some delays with Toni and Andreas at the moment.
“Everybody wants the same thing; the coach wants the same thing, the club wants the same thing and the player wants the same thing.
“Hopefully, and obviously, I expect some good news in the next days. But every case is different.”
Chelsea future for Gallagher?
Tuchel also insisted that Conor Gallagher’s long-term future will be addressed at the end of the midfielder’s season-long loan at Crystal Palace.
The Chelsea youngster has impressed for the Eagles and this week made his England debut.
That has raised hopes Gallagher might go on to establish himself as a first-team player at Stamford Bridge.
Tuchel said: “It’s too early to talk about it and it’s way too early to talk about it in public before we talk about it with him. This will happen in the summer.
“We all agreed to the decision that we wanted him to join Crystal Palace. We saw this possibility for him.
“I loved him from day one. There cannot be a coach who doesn’t like guys like this; humble, nice, smile on the face and all the time ready to give everything.
“It’s a pleasure to know the guy and have the guy and I’m super happy for him that things are working out so well.
“He is a guy who absolutely deserves the very best because he’s such a nice guy and a top player.
“It’s up to him to keep going, keep his feet on the ground and the rest we will decide and not in the rush.”
Tuchel also all but ruled out of the possibility of Chelsea taking up an option to recall Gallagher in January.
“I have not thought about it to bring him back earlier,” he said.
“I think it’s important for him to be happy where he is and not change it.
“I feel he is happy there and I think everybody is happy. You have to process all these things.
“Right now, if you asked me today, I don’t think it’s necessary to change everything for him again in the winter.”
Werner could return
Chelsea will assess Timo Werner’s fitness ahead of Saturday’s game at Leicester.
Romelu Lukaku and Mateo Kovacic will remain sidelined for the trip to the East Midlands.
But Werner returned to full training this week following a hamstring injury and could be involved against the Foxes.
