Thomas Tuchel flatters “Chelsea boy” Declan Rice

Chelsea are in action against West Ham at this moment, with Declan Rice looking impressive in midfield, as always.

In the leadup to this game Thomas Tuchel was asked about the midfielder in the non-broadcast section of the press conference. The embargo on those quotes meant that the rather flattering comments of the manager emerged this morning, hours before the game.

Chelsea have been linked with transfer interest Rice – a former academy player and good friend of Mason Mount and others at Cobham – many times, and Tuchel knows it.

“I am absolutely aware that Declan is a Chelsea boy.”

He also noted his quality as a player by pointing out that he’s an important member of the England team, and that that speaks for itself.

We don’t think the Chelsea boss was deliberately trying to unsettle Rice, but by speaking about him and making everyone aware that he’s a fan, he’s put the spotlight on the 22 year old.

Chelsea News