Chelsea FC made the first transfer under the leadership of the new owners led by US businessman Todd Boehly and immediately landed a real coup. With Raheem Sterling, coach Thomas Tuchel is adding an experienced leader. The change will have major implications.
What a bang. Chelsea have secured the services of Raheem Sterling for the equivalent of almost 56 million euroswho had previously won eleven titles in seven years with Manchester City.
“First and foremost, it’s a pleasure to be here. I’ve achieved a lot in my career but there’s still so much more to achieve and I’m really looking forward to completing that in the Chelsea shirt and under Thomas’ leadership do,” said Sterling, adding: “London is my home and where it all started for me. It’s great to now have the opportunity to play at Stamford Bridge in front of friends and family week after week. “
That Sterling has big ambitions with the Blues is shown by his five-year contract plus an option for a further season. Sterling is 27 and would be 32 in five years, so the England international plans to spend his footballing prime at Chelsea. And the Londoners have a new star player in their ranks in Sterling.
The offensive star is already on the current US tour. In the USA, Chelsea first completed a training camp before a series of friendlies are scheduled until July 23. So there is still some time for Tuchel to get Sterling ahead of the Premier League start on August 5 (LIVE and EXCLUSIVE on Sky Sport Premier League) to integrate into the team.
Tuchel with new options
In an exclusive conversation with Sky Sport UK raved Tuchel about the new signing: “His move was a top priority for us. We are very excited and super happy that we were able to sign him. He is a great addition to our squad and exactly what we want in terms of age, experience and were looking for a way to play.”
Since making his professional debut for Liverpool aged 17 in 2012, Sterling has been directly involved in 165 Premier League goals for the Reds and Man City (109 goals and 56 assists in 320 games). That puts him fifth in scoring points behind Harry Kane, Sergio Aguero, Jamie Vardy and Mohamed Salah over the period.
With the arrival of the top player, who can act both in the winger position and as a false nine, new opportunities open up for Tuchel on the offensive. “He gives us a lot of flexibility, agility and attacking options at the top,” the German star coach made clear. Tuchel hopes to create more big chances, especially with Sterling’s pace.
Tuchel krempelt Chelsea um
Because one thing is clear: Tuchel is turning Chelsea upside down after a season that ended up being disappointing. Having started the pre-season as the defending champions of the Champions League, not only did the quarter-finals in the premier class come too early for the Blues, but the league record was also a disappointment. Instead of playing for the title, Chelsea finished third, a whopping 19 points behind Man City and 18 points behind Liverpool FC.
Apart from the central midfield, where N’Golo Kante and Jorginho are seeded, and the goalkeeper position, where Edouard Mendy is the clear number one, Tuchel has needs in almost every position. As the new defender, Chelsea are on the verge of signing Kalidou Koulibaly. The 31-year-old Senegalese is said to come from SSC Napoli for 38 million euros and will form central defense with Thiago Silva in the new season. Nathan Ake (ManCity) is also said to be a candidate.
On the offensive, prominent names such as Neymar or Cristiano Ronaldo appear in rumors in connection with a Chelsea change. After the departures of Antonio Rüdiger (Real Madrid), Andreas Christensen (FC Barcelona) and Romelu Lukaku (Inter Milan), there are still question marks over Cesar Azpilicueta, Marcos Alonso, Hakim Ziyech, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Christian Pulisic.
What will become of Werner?
That also applies to Timo Werner. Since arriving at Stamford Bridge two years ago, the Germany international has failed to become an undisputed starter. The rumors about Neymar, Ronaldo or also Raphinha (who then moved from Leeds United to FC Barcelona) as well as the Sterling obligation are also an indication for Werner that Tuchel was not satisfied with the performance of his offensive players recently.
Werner only scored a meager four league goals in the previous season and also missed a number of great chances. With Sterling, the native of Stuttgart now has a competitor in the team who has similar strengths (pace, dribbling, runs into the depths) and who is initially put in front of Werner. If the 26-year-old doesn’t get used to the role of supplementary player for the time being, a loan or a change this summer is not entirely out of the question.
Because in Tuchel’s preferred 3-4-3 system, Sterling and Kai Havertz will be set first. Mason Mount, Pulisic, Hudson-Odoi, Ziyech and Werner will now be fighting for third place in the offensive row. However, it is also conceivable that Tuchel will switch to two tips after Sterling’s arrival and set up lively newcomers around the massive Havertz. Then Werner would see even fewer minutes of action.
Timo Werner’s future with the Blues remains uncertain.© DPA no
Sterling will Leaderrolle
While the future of the former Leipzig native is still in the stars, Sterling has already provided clarity with his Chelsea move. Because the English national player had recently lost his place at Pep Guardiola and Manchester City and needed a change of scenery. With the Blues, he would like to be given more responsibility as well as more minutes.
Mount, who already knows Sterling from the Three Lions national team, is convinced of the leadership qualities of his new Chelsea team-mate. “He’s a top guy. Such an experienced player, a top-class professional. I’ve learned a lot from him over the last few years. We’ve lost some leaders, he’s going to be someone who’s going to lead the group because he is one great personality. Hopefully we can win something together,” said the 23-year-old Sky Sport UK.
With title collector Sterling, Mount, Tuchel and Co. would like to play permanently with Manchester City and Liverpool for the big trophies in the coming years. National and international.
More about the author Peer Kuni
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