Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has shared his thoughts on the Blues' latest signing Denis Zakaria. The German boss spoke about the different positions that the Switzerland international could slot into, one of which being the wing-back role.
Zakaria was the final Chelsea signing in the 2022 summer transfer window. The defensive midfielder joined the Blues on loan from Juventus.
Zakaria completed a move to the Serie A side in January. The Swiss midfielder has registered 15 appearances across competitions following his arrival in Turin, recording a goal and an assist.
Tuchel insisted that a midfield signing was required this summer to improve the Blues' squad depth. The German hailed Zakaria for his versatility, claiming that he can play multiple positions despite being a midfielder by trade.
Tuchel said (per the club's official website):
"This was an option that came in very late. It was related not to the numbers that we should have in midfield but the numbers that we actually have."
Praising Zakaria's abilities, the German added:
"He gives us a lot of options because he has speed, height and physicality to bring to this group. He can play in the back-three and I think he can play even in a back-four. He can play both positions in the midfield and maybe even wing-back because he's fast enough and has the volume."
Chelsea had a bustling transfer window this summer. The Blues signed the likes of Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly, Marc Cucurella, Wesley Fofana, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang before the window shut.
Thomas Tuchel comments on Chelsea's injury crisis in midfield
Tuchel also commented on Chelsea's ongoing injury crisis in the middle of the pitch. The German boss pointed out that this issue played an important role in the Blues' last-minute pursuit of Denis Zakaria.
Both N'Golo Kante and Ruben Loftus-Cheek have picked up hamstring injuries after brief features in the Premier League this season. However, Tuchel confirmed that the latter has recovered from his injury.
Meanwhile, Mateo Kovacic only recently rejoined the first-team squad after struggling with knee issues. With regards to the Blues' predicament, Tuchel said:
"We have Kova, who had knee problems over the last weeks. He'll hopefully make it without surgery and will be available right now but he was a little bit on the edge of surgery. N’Golo Kante is struggling and suddenly Ruben Loftus-Cheek had a hamstring injury that could have cost us some games."
"Fortunately, he is available this weekend but this was the situation so this [the recruitment of Zakaria] was more or less a last-minute option."
Chelsea will face West Ham United at home in the Premier League this weekend (September 3).
beublmopt
0
really I can't know why graham like/love kepa and kouribari done by king musutua
Baoacmnprt
0
We lacking players in de midfield now u saying rubish...
Baoacmnprt
0
Thomas y do u play players out of position be serious hes a midfielder u want him to play a wing back...thats y we lose games....
Turbo88
0
thunderbirdz
1
So where is Mason mount??Wow you've all forgotten what the young man has done for Chelsea
he is not that good right at the moment
Ninabkorsz
0
This player is a pure box to box midfielder, please don't use him on a wing back. Even if that 10th minutes he will play for, let it be in his real position.
Sudaepstuz
1
Not bad team 👥
[image]
take out havertz, he is just cameo player
Temmylardey
3
Not bad team 👥
Diuaceimny
0
So where is Mason mount??Wow you've all forgotten what the young man has done for Chelsea
who is mount
viyacipsu
0
wait o is he a wing back or midfielder tuchel playing players out of their position
Manuelm200
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Guys I think Tuchel thinks defense is the best form of attack.😂😂
hiymorsty
0
false 9, he's running mad
mrotcda
Manuelm200
0
[image]
So where is Mason mount??Wow you've all forgotten what the young man has done for Chelsea
sumitkumarsinha
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suthop your mouth you are a stupid and useless coach Tuchel why only 3 at the back. Wing back. defeneve back. only back back you are not serious with your only back. back. back.
Go coach some local team before you point a finger to a coach who win global trophies
BeRaw
3
Calling tuchel stupid and all…some of my fellow chelsea fans can’t see through the noise…we shouldn’t be this shallow guys
BeRaw
0
suthop your mouth you are a stupid and useless coach Tuchel why only 3 at the back. Wing back. defeneve back. only back back you are not serious with your only back. back. back.
Do you want him to play zakaria at the front??? Why do we have sterling and auba and havertz and broja??? Respect your coach he’s the best…
Tazcdkno
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Nooo why not play him as a goalkeeper
every Chelsea fan is tired with this stupid coach
Tazcdkno
0
Tuchel needs a brain check🤦
exactly
thunderbirdz
3
ClydeRice
1
useless coach
Hakcrstuz
1
false 9, he's running mad
ismab1000
2
suthop your mouth you are a stupid and useless coach Tuchel why only 3 at the back. Wing back. defeneve back. only back back you are not serious with your only back. back. back.
Etilomi0147
4
Yea Aubameyang can also play as a LCB😏
Hansonid007
1
Sometimes I don’t really understand TT. All he thinks about is defense. Is he normal?
nuscelptyz
0
We the CFC fans should stop complaining about TT. If he likes let him play Auba has a central defender. All I know is that if he doesn't deliver he will surely get sacked despite the owner being American.
seudlnstz
0
TT with stupid decisions
wouabdnz
0
TT only wang back you want to buy?
MohsinH47
1
is he making Auba a defender 🤣🤣🤣
Thaj
2
I can say Tuchel's brain has been hacked
nehabdert
2
Nooo why not play him as a goalkeeper
Siacdipsty
0
He has started
How come you knew why was in my head I wanted to write the same thing till I saw your comment
Nohate
1
He has started
Meebioprtz
0
😝😝😝😝
AbhyNepal
2
Seems his only need is player who can be used as wing back 😂😂
khaleed505o
0
Tuchel needs a brain check🤦
😂😂😂😂🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️
El_Rimance
4
Tuchel needs a brain check🤦