Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel shuts down Dele Alli transfer questions: ‘Are you at the right press conference?’

POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Thomas Tuchel shut down questions about Dele Alli ahead of Chelsea’s clash with Tottenham.

The German was at Paris St-Germain when Alli saw a move to the French giants blocked in the summer. And the Spurs playmaker again missed out on a move to the Parc des Princes in the January window.  

Tuchel, who was sacked by PSG in December, was asked about his interest in Alli – but responded curtly: “Are you at the right press conference? Are you sure? I will not answer that.  

“I was happy to answer about Harry Kane because it is an honour for me to speak about him being one of the best players, but with everything else, for every other player, I want to show respect and not talk about players of other coaches. We stick to our team, thanks.”

Tuchel had earlier praised Kane, who will miss the game with a double ankle injury.  

“I would say it is always easier if Harry Kane is not playing,” he said. “That's a given and absolutely for sure, it is no secret.  

“Harry Kane is one of the best No9s in the world. When he is in shape, he is a role model in the No9 position that every player and coach hopes for. That's in terms of work rate, ambition, mentality, attitude and goal scoring ability. He is simply outstanding.  

“For the moment, we assume he won't play, but we will prepare for all cases in case he makes it on the pitch. We will be prepared for that.”

While Tuchel considers Kane a role model, he has his issues up front, with £45million Timo Werner struggling for confidence after scoring just one goal in his last 17 matches.  

The Chelsea manager is determined to restore the 24-year-old to his ruthless best.  

He said: “With every player, and of course with all strikers and Timo, we try to create a bond and a relationship. Every person and every guy is different.  

“Some guys need something else, to be close, to be alone, to be pushed hard, a hug or whatever. So we find out what suits him to feel comfortable and open up, then to feel comfortable again on the pitch.  

“It is our responsibility to also create moments and situations to bring out his best, to attack the space behind the backline of defence. To use his speed, for that, we try to create the moments through the whole team and of course the offensive guys to use his strengths.  

“This is what we try to do with every player. From there on in the end, the last 10, 15, 20 percent will only come back if he scores. It happens with every striker in the world, you can talk to them, score in training or do whatever but nothing helps as much as them finding the net in an important game.  

“He has good memories in the stadium as he scored a decisive goal for Leipzig against them, sometimes things like this help him also find his best shape back.  

“He is open, accepts the situation is like this and he is not looking for excuses. He is working hard, concentrated and all that with the smile is the best thing to keep on going.”

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