Thomas Tuchel admits talks over a new contract have been held between his representatives and Chelsea – and the German says the prospect of remaining in charge at Stamford Bridge beyond his current deal is "a good thing".
When Tuchel replaced Frank Lampard as head coach in January 2021, he was only handed an 18-month contract by then-Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich. Yet fresh terms were agreed in the aftermath of the Blues' Champions League triumph that tied him to the club until the summer of 2024.
Tuchel has since guided Chelsea to the UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup; the 48-year-old also became a statesman-like figure during the takeover of the club from Abramovich by the Todd Boehly/Clearlake Capital consortium.
READ MORE Every word Thomas Tuchel said on Leeds vs Chelsea, Kante injury, Aubameyang, Mike Dean, Casadei
And in a strong show of faith, Chelsea's new ownership group have handed Tuchel greater responsibility for the club's dealings in the transfer market. It's led to the arrivals of Raheem Sterling from Man City, Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli, and Marc Cucurella from Brighton and Hove Albion.
Chelsea are not done in the transfer market, with further incomings expected before the window closes on September 1. New contracts are also in the pipeline for Edouard Mendy, Reece James and Mason Mount, all of whom have been crucial to the success enjoyed under Tuchel.
It's no great surprise, as a result, the club are also keen to tie the German down to fresh terms and it's understood a new deal that would run until the summer of 2026 has been discussed. However, an agreement is not thought to be close as yet and Tuchel says his focus is currently on making sure his side is ready to compete across the 2022/23 campaign.
“There are talks [over a new contract]," Tuchel confirmed. "But I think given the situation where we come from, and where we are in the middle of the transfer period, I think it is the very best if I focus on my team and on sports and on being competitive.
"My people talk to the owners and take care of everything else. You know how glad I am to be here and how much I like it. So it’s a good thing.”
READ NEXT:
- Thomas Tuchel new Chelsea attack if £22m Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang transfer is confirmed
- Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest updates and rumours from Stamford Bridge
- Full Chelsea Premier League fixture list for 2022/23
- Chelsea transfer business under the microscope in 'good deal' or 'bad deal'
- Paul Merson suggests why Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang transfer is needed ahead of Leeds vs Chelsea
