Tuchel Acknowledges Tomori’s Potential Amid AC Milan Loan Spell
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has praised defender Fikayo Tomori‘s “high potential” while admitting the England international’s future hasn’t been a priority since his Stamford Bridge arrival. The 23-year-old academy graduate joined AC Milan on loan just days before Tuchel replaced Frank Lampard in January, in a move that now presents Chelsea with a £26.6m decision.
“To be very honest, I did not spend too many minutes thinking about Tomori – not because I don’t like him or don’t see his potential, but there was simply no time,” Tuchel told Mcw in his pre-Southampton press conference. The German tactician emphasized Chelsea’s tradition of developing players through loan spells, noting how such moves help young talents prove themselves in different football cultures.
The Milan Option and Chelsea’s Defensive Future
Tomori‘s situation presents an intriguing dilemma for Chelsea’s hierarchy. The Rossoneri hold a purchase option that would make the loan permanent for £26.6m – a significant sum for a player who found opportunities limited under Lampard. However, as football analyst Mark Johnson observes: “Tomori’s performances in Italy have shown why he was so highly rated in Chelsea’s academy. His pace and reading of the game suit Serie A perfectly, but the question is whether Tuchel sees him fitting into his evolving system at Stamford Bridge.”
Tuchel has revitalized several Chelsea players since his arrival
The Chelsea boss hinted that loan assessments would come in the “next weeks and months,” suggesting the club may wait until season’s end before making final decisions. With Thiago Silva’s contract expiring and questions over other defenders, Tomori could yet have a future in west London.
Ziyech’s Chelsea Challenge and Pulisic Fitness Update
Tuchel also addressed Hakim Ziyech’s limited playing time, taking personal responsibility for the Moroccan’s situation. “It’s my fault, actually. It’s not his fault,” the manager admitted, praising Ziyech’s attitude during this challenging period. The former Ajax star has started just one Premier League game under Tuchel, with the German explaining: “There are some decisions for other players that means Hakim suffers a little bit.”
On the injury front, Christian Pulisic faces another spell on the sidelines with a calf issue, continuing his unfortunate fitness record since joining from Borussia Dortmund. However, Tuchel dismissed any suggestion of the American leaving, stating emphatically: “Today is a clear yes [I want to keep him]… Chelsea bought Christian for a reason – for his quality, for his potential.”
Mcw Verdict: Chelsea’s Evolving Squad Dynamics
As Chelsea push for top-four finish and Champions League progression, Tuchel faces numerous squad management challenges:
- Tomori’s future represents a test of Chelsea’s player development strategy
- Ziyech needs patience as he adapts to Tuchel’s system
- Pulisic’s fitness remains a concern despite his obvious quality
With the summer transfer window approaching, these decisions will shape Chelsea’s squad for next season. For now, as Mcw can reveal, Tuchel’s immediate focus remains on maintaining Chelsea’s improved form while carefully managing his squad’s competing demands.
Pulisic’s injury woes continue to disrupt his Chelsea career
As the season enters its decisive phase, all eyes will be on how Tuchel navigates these selection dilemmas while keeping Chelsea on track for their objectives. One thing is certain – the German’s man-management skills will be as crucial as his tactical acumen in the weeks ahead.
