“An upgrade”- Tuchel sends blunt message to Chelsea trio out of contract this summer

Thomas Tuchel warns Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta that no club is an upgrade over Chelsea

Thomas Tuchel has cautioned Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta by saying that no other clubs can be considered as an upgrade over Chelsea. Uncertainty has surrounded the future of the centre-back trio, as they edge closer to an exit from Stamford Bridge with each passing day.

Rudiger, Christensen and Azpilicueta are in line to become free agents in the summer. Negotiations over a renewal have taken place with the Blues but to no avail so far. As such, they are at risk of reaching a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs due to this situation.

Speaking before the trip to Carrow Road later today (h/t Football.London), Tuchel has expressed that the defensive trio would not find any better club to play for than the West London side. He was adamant that the players could achieve their “dreams” with them as they are among the top following their recent success.

“In general, from my experience here and where I’ve come from, there cannot be a bigger improvement at any other club in terms of organisation, the support for the players, the mentality, the competition in which you play. I don’t see an upgrade in any other club. But you can fulfil any dream here at this club and I do not think we should not hide from that. I think we can fight for any player and we have good, good reasons to provide that players stay.”

Players should show an effort

Truer words cannot be spoken regarding this matter after taking into account the club’s current situation. We have enjoyed quite a lot of success recently and certainly have the capabilities to dominate world football if we continue on this trajectory.

Rudiger, for example, has been linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Bayern Munchen. Christensen is seemingly close to reaching an agreement with Barcelona, who have also targeted Azpilicueta. There may have been a time in the past when these European giants could have been viewed as an upgrade over us.

However, that is not the case at this point. After all, we are the current UEFA Champions League holders and are still active in Europe’s premium club competition this year, while giants like Barcelona are not. The Premier League trio should realise that as well and make an effort from their side to stay with us past this campaign.

More Chelsea News

• Thomas Tuchel addresses claims of Andreas Christensen being on his way to Barcelona
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• Thomas Tuchel gives concerning injury updates on Chelsea ace Reece James ahead of Norwich City clash

After all, the Blues trio has enjoyed success with us and it isn’t like they aren’t getting adequate gametime under the ex-Borussia Dortmund manager. Let’s hope that they realise it as well and put an end to the uncertainty by penning a new deal with us. Whether that will happen or not would only be known in due time.