Reports have claimed that Thomas Tuchel had doubts over the defensive ability of Mateo Kovacic at Chelsea.
According to The Athletic, the German didn’t believe he had the ability to play in the roles occupied by Jorginho and N’golo Kante at the club.
The Croatian has endured a mixed season like many this year, with injuries frequently disrupting his time as a starter at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea fans will be frustrated the period of time he was fit in coincided with the World Cup. The 28-year-old took the chance to impress with both hands, playing a key role in his countries third place finish.
For Chelsea though, success has not come so easy. The Blues continue to languish in mid table.
With Kante having not been seen since the second game of the campaign, there was a real opportunity for Kovacic to prove his worth to the few who still doubted him.
Tuchel had doubts over Kovacic
While fitness can be put down as the reason for his mediocre season, the fact he hasn’t been able to naturally replace Kante may come as no surprise to his former manager.
According to The Athletic, Tuchel struggled to trust the Croatian in either midfield role, despite being a fan of his immense talent.
With Enzo Fernandez now at the club following his club-record move, all eyes are on who becomes his long-term partner in midfield.
He was paired with Conor Gallagher during his debut against Fulham, however plenty of signs point to him likely leaving at the end of the season.
This could open up an opportunity for the 28-year-old, but there are still no guarantees over his future at Stamford Bridge.
It will be interesting to see if Chelsea re-enter the market for another midfielder in the summer, especially with the quality that will likely be on the move.
Chelsae yet to make a decision on 26-year-old loanee’s future beyond this summer
Chelsea yet to make a decision on Juventus loanee Denish Zakaria
Juventus loanee Denis Zakaria has an uncertain future at Chelsea, with the club yet to make a decision on whether they want to trigger the option to buy him after his loan spell, according to Simon Phillips via The Blue Dodger on Twitter (h/t football.london).
The Switzerland international signed for the Blues in the summer of 2022 on a temporary move from the Old Lady for the rest of the campaign. However, the Stamford Bridge side can opt to make the move permanent in the upcoming transfer window.
But as of yet, Graham Potter’s team have not made up their minds on the 26-year-old. The contract situation of Mateo Kovacic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek will play a part in the West London side’s decision.
Zakaria established himself as a decent midfielder at Borussia Monchengladbach. Juventus then came knocking for him and signed the Swiss national from the Bundesliga outfit in January 2022.
However, just a few months later, the 26-year-old arrived at Chelsea. Unfortunately, he has not had a fruitful spell in West London as of yet.
The Blues are going through a tumultuous period at the moment. After a bad start to the season, Thomas Tuchel was relieved of his duties. Subsequently, Potter was appointed head coach.
But the English manager has not been able to steady the ship either. We are currently in ninth place in the Premier League table. We were also knocked out of the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.
Zakaria has struggled for regular minutes at the Stamford Bridge side. The Swiss national found it hard at the beginning of the season but has been given extended opportunities recently.
SOURCE: thechelseachronicle.com, astamfordbridgetoofar.com
