Chelsea may be devoted to signing Jules Koundé during the summer, but coach Thomas Tuchel has also taken matters in his own hands to keep one of the team's most reliable players around.
It is no secret that Barcelona have tempted César Azpilicueta to leave the Blues to join them this summer, but despite the player's alleged interest in such a move, coach Tuchel revealed that it is not in his plans to let the footballer leave the club despite the heavy interest shown by the La Liga side.
Speaking prior to the club's warmup match against Arsenal on Saturday, coach Tuchel revealed that his plans do not include getting rid of the high-profile footballer, mainly because the team still need the footballer's experience to keep their status as title contenders.
"I am not sure I want to give Azpi what he wants. At some point it is also about us and just made the comparison of how much we fought for Koulibaly. He is a national player, he is the similar age as Azpi, a hugely important player, captain for Napoli. But we have a Spanish international player, captain for Chelsea and I see it on the same level but Barcelona does not see it on that level so I'm not sure if I want to give Azpi what he wants," Tuchel stated in the press conference.
It is said that Azpilicueta would be keen on taking another challenge after spending the past ten years at Stamford Bridge. Nevertheless, Tuchel will try to extend that term at least for one more season since he believes the player is still key to his plans with the Blues.
"I don't think so much about other clubs as I think about us. The full focus is on us and what we need and what we have in Apzi. I said to him many times that I can understand him on a personal level and career level. I can understand his point of view. But I am not only in this role to give him what he wants but I am also manager for Chelsea and have to do what is best for Chelsea," Tuchel added.
The tactician went on to admit that the player is aware of his current situation with the Stamford Bridge club, but he would like things to go his way rather than accepting the club's will.
"He understands but he does not like it," Tuchel said to put an end to the inquiries about Azpilicueta.
