Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Football London
Football London
Sport
Jamie Kemble

Thomas Tuchel has been handed a Kai Havertz problem as Chelsea eye Jose Gimenez transfer

Here are your Chelsea morning headlines for Wednesday, March 10.

Chelsea eye Gimenez

Chelsea have been linked with a move for Atletico Madrid centre-back Jose Maria Gimenez.

The Athletic say the Uruguayan has been on Chelsea's shortlist since 2016 and that they could finally make a serious move this summer.

Thomas Tuchel is said to have earmarked Gimenez ahead of the summer as he looks to strengthen his back-line despite having plenty of options between the likes of Cesar Azpilicueta, Kurt Zouma, Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger.

Gimenez has been key to Atletico Madrid this season in a table-topping campaign so far but he has struggled from injury.

Tammy Abraham. impressive Kai Havertz and Leeds United preview

Tuchel's Havertz problem

Paul Merson believes Tuchel has a problem on his hands after Kai Havertz 's inspired performance on Monday night.

"They were a real handful against Everton, and Kai Havertz epitomised that," he wrote in his Sky Sports column.

"We finally saw his best on Monday, he was simply outstanding. I didn't realise how quick he was! He was a real handful and the decision to bring him in last night was rewarded.

"When you are winning every week that's what happens.

"The problem he has now is Havertz just had his best game for Chelsea by a million miles, but I'd be surprised if he plays next week. Mason Mount was outstanding against Liverpool but then he didn't play against Everton.

"They look really good."

Havertz and Mount could be battling for the same role ahead of Saturday (Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Rudiger talks Tuchel style

Antonio Rudiger believes Thomas Tuchel has Chelsea playing like Bayern Munich.

“It gives us maybe a little bit less stress behind," said the defender to the Daily Star of Tuchel's style. "If you keep the opponent in their own half, even if they counter-attack, they still have to go 70-80 metres to our goal.

“I think that makes sense, to keep them high up the pitch, in their own half, as much as you can.”

Rudiger added: "When a team keeps you in your own half it’s very hard to go over the middle line.

“Liverpool did this so well in the last few years and this is because of Klopp. In Germany many teams play like this. Bayern Munich as well.

“What’s always been there is this counter-pressing. In those five seconds after you lose the ball, to try to win it back and then spaces open up and you are closer to the goal when you win it too.

“You don’t need to be going 70 metres to goal. You are already there.

“I think you can see the impact it had if you look at the results of the German national team - winning the World Cup in 2014.”

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.