Chelsea are currently one of the most celebrated clubs in the Premier League, owing to their rich vein of form. Thomas Tuchel has guided his new team to four wins and a draw in his first five games in charge, portraying his exceptional abilities as a coach.
Chelsea's performances under him have opened up room for discourse regarding dynamics such as team structure, player preferences and results.
The transition of players in and out of the team under Tuchel's 3-4-3 setup has sparked intense discussion. There is also further speculation about Chelsea's links with centre-backs.
Without further delay then, let's dive right into the top news stories on Chelsea as of February 14, 2021.
Also read: Chelsea News Roundup: Summer signing wants to leave club, Blues receive boost for Bayern Munich star, and more - 13 February 2021.
Tuchel reflects on Ben Chilwell's situation at Chelsea
Tuchel's system of three at the back has unlocked Marcos Alonso's potential down left wing-back. That has left Ben Chilwell sidelined more often than he'd have liked.
Chilwell, who has been one of Chelsea's best players this season with his attacking prowess, has only started two games under Tuchel. Not to mention, he is yet to complete a full 90 minutes under the German.
Tuchel revealed that Alonso is more suited to a wider role, and added that he has complete trust in Chilwell's abilities. The Chelsea boss said:
"If he is, I can absolutely understand, because he got some difficult and very tight decisions go against him. We took the choice for Marcos in a game where we played with five [defenders] because he was more familiar with the position, he played under Antonio Conte and we opted for him for his strengths in the air, to defend and attack set pieces."
Tuchel added:
"Marcos did a very good match and scored the decisive goal and from there it was hard to come back. I had a talk with him before the Tottenham match and told him 'You have to trust me now, I see the potential, I see your talent'".
Also read: Chelsea vs Newcastle United prediction, preview, team news and more | Premier League 2020-21.
Tuchel reveals his knowledge on CHO from PSG days
Chelsea manager Tuchel has revealed that he was aware of Callum Hudson-Odoi's priceless talent from his Paris Saint-Germain days.
Supposedly, he has been tracking the youngster's progress for the past two years due to his potential and links with other clubs.
On the same, Tuchel disclosed:
"I became aware of Callum during my days at Paris. I'd say probably two years ago. His name popped up on our radar because, clearly, he had so much potential. I've always liked Callum because of the personality he shows on the pitch. Now I've got to know him better, I can say he's a really positive guy and he always has a smile on his face."
Tuchel added that Hudson-Odoi must maintain his levels both on the pitch and on the training ground if he wants to stay at the same level.
Ralf Rangnick reveals why he rejected Chelsea
In addition to Tuchel, the likes of Ralf Rangnick, Max Allegri, Ralph Hasenhuttl and Brendan Rodgers were linked to the Chelsea job when Frank Lampard was sacked.
Rangnick has lifted the lid on his chances, stating that he rejected the move because Chelsea were offering him the task on an interim basis.
Speaking to the Times, Rangnick said:
"I said: ‘I would like to come and work with you, but I can’t do it for four months. I’m not an interim coach. To the media and players you would be the ‘four-month manager’, a lame duck, from day one."