This summer, FC Barcelona and Chelsea rub shoulders regularly on the transfer market. First, because the Blaugranas had reached an agreement with Andreas Christensen in order to enlist him free, since the end of his contract with the London club. But afterwards, the tone seems to have risen between the two European clubs about two thorny issues: César Azpilicueta and Jules Koundé. As the season is about to resume in early August, Thomas Tuchel was annoyed with the Catalan club’s operating methods…
Indeed, the German technician considers that Barça does not value its captain enough. “Maybe I’m a bit bored with Barca. But I’m doing my best for Chelsea. I told Azpilicueta, he doesn’t like it, but he understands. It’s difficult for him because the other club (Barca) are on him, they’re on him all the time and causing distractions, but no later than September 1 normally when things calm down and it will be more clearly, I am very convinced that he could play at his highest level“, he said during the club’s summer tour in Orlando, in remarks reported by the Times.
Thomas Tuchel warns César Azpilicueta
“It’s also about us and you have to remember how much we fought to have Koulibaly. We have a Spanish international player, captain for Chelsea and I see him at the same level (as Koulibaly), but Barcelona don’t see him at that level, so I’m not sure I want to give Azpi what he wants (. ..) I’m not only in this role to give him what he wants, but I’m also the manager of Chelsea and I have to do what’s best for Chelsea.”warned the manager of the Blues.
On the other hand, Thomas Tuchel was much more smiling when discussing the Jules Koundé file. While FC Barcelona dropped the Jules Koundé track, the English media indicated that the French international from Sevilla FC was heading straight for Chelsea. Asked about a potential agreement with the ex-Bordeaux, the London manager still remained enigmatic. “That’s what you say…but I won’t comment on the other players. I have no news at the moment. I will let you know if there is any news on Koundé”. The summer transfer window is definitely panicking everyone…