Thomas Tuchel has opened up about Cesar Azpilicueta’s future at Chelsea amid growing concerns that he could leave Stamford Bridge in the summer.
Azpilcueta’s current contract runs out at the end of the campaign and is free to sign to a pre-contract agreement with foreign teams from January 1, should he be unable to agree new terms at the club before then.
The Spain international has attracted huge interest from Barcelona, with reports in Spain previously claiming that the deal was at an advanced stage.
The report also stated that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is preparing ‘a farewell with magnificence’ for when he leaves the London club.
The current Chelsea skipper has only played 11 times in the Premier League so far this campaign, with the likes of Antonio Rudiger, Chalobah, Andreas Christensen and Thiago Silva often preferred at centre-back.
But, Tuchel continues to remain calm over the player’s future in London, describing him as ‘a fantastic captain and a fantastic player.’
‘I don’t see any problem here. The situation between Azpi, me and the club is very clear. He is our captain,’ Tuchel told reporters ahead of Chelsea’s league game against Wolves.
‘He has all possibilities to stay here as long as possible and become the legend he already is. He is a fantastic captain and a fantastic player.
‘If there are some weeks where he does not play so much, like in the last weeks, there are some reasons.
‘First of all, he was injured in his shoulder. Second of all, the team played very strong in his positions with Trevoh [Chalobah] and Andreas [Christensen], and at wing-back with Reece [James].
‘That’s how it is. If there is any player who knows it is like this, it’s Azpi. He is very calm. He has everything in his own hands. I see no signs we should be worried about it.’
