Thomas Tuchel: Chelsea head coach dismisses links to Manchester United job and has ‘plenty of reasons to stay’
Thomas Tuchel has been linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent weeks in the wake of Chelsea’s impending sale, with Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher leading the calls for Manchester United to make a move; Chelsea face Middlesbrough in FA Cup quarter-finals this weekend
Thomas Tuchel has dismissed rumours that he could become Manchester United manager, claiming he has “plenty of reasons to stay” at Chelsea despite the club’s off-field problems.
The German head coach’s future at Stamford Bridge has come into question in recent weeks in the wake of sanctions placed on Russian owner Roman Abramovich, with Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher leading calls for United to make a move for Tuchel.
But the Blues boss has reiterated his desire to stay at the club, which he claims gives him “everything he needs to make me happy”.
“Actually no reaction at all [to the rumours],” said Tuchel in a press conference before Chelsea’s FA Cup quarter-final at Middlesbrough. “Do you feel me less committed to the club or less involved in the club? Absolutely not.
“I have said many times that I love to be here and this club has everything it needs to make me happy. There is no need. We have plenty of reasons to stay at the moment.
“I do my best and I’ve felt the support here in the club since day one. That makes me feel safe and then I do my best to play my role and push things forward.”
Sky Sports’ Carragher believed Manchester United should ask the question about Tuchel’s availability, as Chelsea’s Premier League rivals search for an option after Ralf Rangnick’s interim stint.
“I think it is realistic in that if you are Manchester United why wouldn’t you ask that question?” Carragher added. “Unfortunately with the situation that Chelsea find themselves in, other clubs will be looking at their situation in terms of players or managers going forward, that’s the nature of the beast.
“He’s one of the best managers in world football and Manchester United are looking for one but I think he’s come out and said that he’s committed to the club and I’m sure that what he’s got to say.
“But there are uncertain times for Chelsea because you don’t know what the ownership is going to be towards the end of the season.
“He’s 100 per cent the most important person you have to keep in place as a new owner. In terms of Thomas Tuchel, they have a guy – and there’s very few of them in world football – who can compete with Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola, whether it’s in this league or the Champions League. And those managers are very few and far between right now.”
