“I’m in contact with Todd directly on a daily basis and sometimes more than once on a daily basis because we know we have a club in transition and change. My concern is for the team to be competitive and for that we have to invest a lot of time and we have to be ready. There is no other way. “We compete not only with the best teams, but also with the best coaches. We have to be competitive and replace the big players and inspire quality. I think it’s important for everyone at Cobham to take a bit more responsibility, not just me.” New signing Raheem Sterling was one of the first names Tuchel introduced to Boehly after the takeover, with Romelu Lukaku’s return to Inter on loan the first major outing the pair have collaborated on.
“He was the absolute number one for this position”
Tuchel gave Lukaku the green light to leave just 12 months after his club record £97.5million move for Chelsea, when the striker made it clear he wanted to return to Inter. “There’s never been a meeting where I said ‘I want this guy out,’” Tuchel said. “Never. I’ve always been clear – if he stays we’ll do everything to get him in a better position, get him in better shape, improve my coaching style, our playing style, to make him a better fit. “It was always a possibility that he would stay, but Romelu made it clear that he wanted to leave and the owners made the decision to make the decision immediately. “Disappointed is the wrong word. I don’t know a better word in English. I feel like I take it personally – it’s never personal. I’m not happy we couldn’t get more of him. Maybe it would take a little more time. A little more fitness, a little more adjustment to our game. Who knows? But we won’t know. Once Romelu gave a clear opinion on the situation and there was a solution on the table, the owners made their choice and had my blessing.” Just as Lukaku left with Tuchel’s blessing, Sterling arrived with a ringing endorsement from his new manager, who put the striker at the top of his summer wish list. “He was the absolute number one for this position. I gave Todd his name straight away,” Tuchel said before being asked to pinpoint the exact moment he had decided he wanted Sterling.
