Thomas Tuchel says it’s been a ‘pleasure’ to manage Jorginho at Chelsea and says the midfielder deserves to win the Ballon d’Or.
Jorginho played a important role in the Blues’ Champions League success last campaign before triumphing with Italy at this summer’s European Championships.
Chelsea were heavily represented as Ballon d’Or candidates were announced, with N’Golo Kante, Mason Mount, Cesar Azpilicueta and Romelu Lukaku also in contention to win it.
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Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Kevin De Bruyne are some of the other big names which was included on the 30-man shortlist.
But the Chelsea manager suggested Jorginho would be a deserving winner should he come out on top. ‘He deserves it, he is one of those who deserve to win the Ballon d’Or,’ Tuchel said.
‘He is a very intelligent player and it’s a pleasure to be his coach. The list of 30 candidates came out yesterday, but for me this list is not important as I do not judge them in that sense.
‘These awards don’t make much sense to me. Obviously, the players crave these awards, but it is impossible to make a real comparison between all these players.’
The German coach added: ‘Who should say who is the best? Everyone deserves to win it from a certain point of view.
‘Obviously I would like someone from Chelsea to win it as it would increase confidence. ‘But it is not the most important thing in the world of football.’
However, Jorginho has shut down Ballon d’Or speculation while speaking with the media, but opened up on his ‘unbelievable’ summer during a interview with BT Sport.
‘It’s surreal. It’s unbelievable,’ the Italy international said. ‘I achieved this and it’s something you work so hard for and you dream about, but to get there is a long way.
‘And then you get there and you think: “Wow, I’m here now!”’
