Thomas Tuchel is thrilled to finally have the chance to coach N'Golo Kante after spending "many years" attempting to sign the Chelsea midfielder.
The German took charge of his first game on Wednesday evening as Chelsea were held to a frustrating goalless draw by Wolves at Stamford Bridge.
Kante was not able to feature due to injury but Tuchel still paid special mention to the French World Cup winner.
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"The funny thing is when you join a team in the middle of the season, I already know the likes of Kai [Havertz], Timo [Werner], Toni [Rudiger]," Tuchel said.
"I wanted many years to have N'Golo Kante in my team and now I have him here, also Olivier Giroud, we have a clear picture.
"I have been following the Premier League for many years both in Dortmund and in Paris so I have a clear picture of what the guys are capable of. To find a guy like [Cesar] Azpilicueta in your office is simply amazing because in the end I am also a fan of football."
Tuchel made a number of interesting selections in his first starting line-up, reverting to the squad's most experienced players and a back three in defence, with the likes of Mason Mount, Reece James and Christian Pulisic missing out.
Quizzed about Pulisic's impact off the bench, who Tuchel knows well from Borussia Dortmund, the head coach said: "In Christian for sure I know very well what he is capable of.
"He had a big, big input, it was an unfair decision for him today to not start. I told him it was only because I know what he can bring from the bench.
"I am not sure what the others can do but I know [Pulisic] can bring things for us and absolutely change it for us."
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