Posted November 20, 2021 at 5.30 p.m. by BC updated on November 20, 2021 at 5.32 p.m.
Eager to inject new blood into FC Barcelona's squad, Xavi is said to have a crush on several Chelsea players. But for his part, Thomas Tuchel does not intend to give a gift to the new Blaugrana coach.
This Saturday, Xavi will play his first game at the head of < strong> FC Barcelona since the arrival of Al-Sadd for the match against Espanyol . An important first for the new strongman of the club culé, determined to obtain positive results quickly as he announced during his various speeches. But to achieve his ends, Xavi hopes to make some changes in its workforce from the next winter transfer window, an ambition hampered by the state of finances of FC Barcelona . Thus, Joan Laporta is forced to bet in priority on players approaching the end of their contract or currently in difficulty in their club, and it is on the side of Chelsea that Barça could find what they are looking for. Indeed, Andreas Christensen , Christian Pulisic , Hakim Ziyech and Callum Hudson-Odoi would be in the crosshairs of the Blaugrana leaders according to the Spanish press, but Thomas Tuchel does not intend to be robbed.
“Ziyech? It's an invention of the media ”
Before the victorious trip to Leicester (3-0), Thomas Tuchel He was indeed very talkative about his players. While the latest information from Spain suggested that Chelsea was willing to let Hakim Ziyech go on loan, the German coach said the Moroccan striker’s departure, lacking playing time, was not on the cards. “Right now, here in Cobham, we don't think about his future. You don't think of a potential change, a trade-in or anything else in the winter. I haven't told anyone about this here at Cobham, so it's a media invention, “said the former PSG coach, adding that Ziyech had not expressed his supposed wish to leave: “Hakim was not in my office to express such a wish, so at the moment he is a full member of the team. He's an important guy, a very talented guy, a very ambitious guy, and he's a full member of our team. He was last season, he is this season and we expect the best from him all the time. ”
“ I hope and expect good news in the coming days for Christensen »
Regarding Andreas Christensen, the situation is quite different. The Danish defender is one of Thomas Tuchel 's executives at Chelsea but is nearing the end of his contract. An agreement is slow to be found between the two parties, but the Blues tactician remains confident. “Everyone wants the same for Andreas. I hope and obviously expect good news in the next few days. The situations are handled professionally from all sides, very calmly. During the process, we can achieve the performance we need, and that is the most important ”, said Tuchel at a press conference, in remarks relayed by Eurosport UK. The task of FC Barcelona therefore promises to be difficult.