Chelsea’s defensive concerns: Thomas Tuchel might need to rebuild his backline due to contract worries

Chelsea have been enjoying an upward progression since Thomas Tuchel took over the managerial job last year in January. He helped them win the Champions League title in his first season, and the Blues’ improvement has been evident since then. They also went on to win the UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup this campaign. Besides, the Blues lost in the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool last month. They also have a good enough chance to win the FA Cup and the Champions League this season. Only in the Premier League are they out of the title race.

However, Chelsea were the most consistent of the lot at the start of the season. They were on top of the table for a good while, but a bad winter period had derailed their title push. Nonetheless, the Blues, have still managed to hold on to third place and are on the right path to reach the level set by Manchester City and Liverpool in the English top division. It is to be noted that Chelsea are currently in between a takeover process, which has gotten a lot of media attention. Despite the extreme scrutiny, Tuchel has still managed to make his team give their hundred percent week in and week out.

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Chelsea might need to rebuild their defence

One of the hallmarks of Tuchel’s success at Chelsea is their solid backline. He often plays with a back three and has two sitting midfielders in front of them. Between them, they provide sufficient cover to prevent opponents from scoring easy goals against them. Their team is built on their defensive stability, which makes it difficult for any team to break them down. In possession, the full-backs or wing-backs contribute the most in the attack. 

However, the Blues could be in major trouble this summer since Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azplicueta are all out of contract. Rudiger has been a revelation this campaign, holding the fort impressively at the back, while Christensen has been a rejuvenated player under Tuchel. Meanwhile, Azplicueta has always been a reliable player for the Blues. He has been extremely efficient on both the full-back positions and has also done well while occasionally playing in one of the back three roles.

If all three players leave the Blues this summer, then Tuchel will need to rebuild the backline in a massive way. With new ownership coming in, it is unclear how much money will be available to spend in the transfer window. This uncertain situation could be a major cause for concern. 

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Tuchel has done an incredible job at Chelsea till now. But, if financial issues prevent them from retaining the club’s star players or failing to adequately replace them, then all the progress made under Tuchel could be undone. 

It is important for the Blues to retain if not all three but atleast most of them or find suitable replacements in the transfer window. This is the only way to help the manager maintain the momentum he has created till now at Stamford Bridge.