Leader of Premier League standings, Chelsea continues its momentum after its coronation in the Champions League and its victory in the European Supercup against Villarreal. Hounded by Liverpool, the Blues have the arguments to go and win their seventh national title. The club coached by Thomas Tuchel has the second best attack (23 goals), but above all the best defense in the Kingdom (3 goals conceded).
A defensive base that makes Tuchel happy, even if the latter hopes that no grain of sand will come to stop the machine. Because the Chelsea rearguard is in a complicated situation to say the least: three of its holders will end their contract next June. Antonio Rüdiger (28), Cesar Azpilicueta (32) and Andreas Christensen (25) have still not signed an extension. Blues captain Azpilicueta is awaiting a sign from his leaders, but he has already made it known that his preference is to stay at Stamford Bridge.
” I’m not worried. I feel very confident with the club at the moment. It’s true that my contract ends in June, but I’m just focused on what’s next, training and playing the best I can. Everything will happen naturally. I don’t need to take care of anything anymore. I have to keep doing the things I do and everything will work out on its own. I love being here, I have felt loved since I arrived. My goal is to stay here as long as possible ”, he said before Zenit’s reception in the Champions League last month.
Chelsea under pressure
For his part, Rüdiger is a little more evasive. At least in the media. Silent about his future, the German knows he is very much courted. Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid are indeed very interested in his services. The pressure is therefore more than ever on the shoulders of the Blues, especially as their player has already rejected a proposal of € 140,000 per week. Greedy, Rüdiger would like to touch at least 200,000 € per week and be in the range of the highest salaries of the club with Lukaku, Kanté or Werner. Finally, Tuchel will also have to fight for an element that has gradually established itself in the central London defense: Christensen.
Yesterday, in the columns of Guardian, the Blues coach admitted that he may have been wrong about the Dane. “Some are louder, others aggressive, others calmer. He’s a calm guy, a very smart player, and sometimes you can maybe be a little misled by judging him on his personality because he’s a tough defender and he’s a guy who doesn’t hesitate. to make hard tackles to win duels and to gain strength. He has found his place. He is very strong, very reliable and he has not reached his limits, because at his age there is still room to improve. He may be a better defender for us in the years to come and I hope he will be, because he comes from the academy. “
Except that the English press indicates that the negotiations between the Scandinavian and Chelsea are not progressing. Like Rüdiger, Christensen received a proposal from the Blues (a four-year contract with an optional fifth year), but he did not follow through. Well aware of being in a position of strength, these three seem to expect a more substantial gesture from their leaders, especially after a dream summer 2021. Case to follow.
