Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel was delighted with the performances of Thiago Silva, Cesar Azpilicueta and Kalidou Koulibaly on Saturday, but with the back three together 100 years old, he knows the club must secure the next generation of defenders.
Chelsea, who beat Everton 1-0 in their Premier League opener, lost Antonio Rudiger (29) and Andreas Christensen (26) in the final season before signing Senegalese international Koulibaly from Napoli.
“We’re so lucky to have players like Azpi, Thiago and Kalidou, but it’s also important that the next generation comes along to take over in the years to come,” the German told https://www.chelseafc. com/en/news/article/tuchel-experienced-defensive-trio-praises the club-website.
“The game is very physical and very demanding, that’s the situation, so we need other players to rotate with these guys,” he added.
“In general, it’s a fact that we have the back three, the goalkeeper and the double sixes in Jorginho and N’Golo (Kante) who are all in their 30s.
“That’s the way it is and while we’re so happy with these guys, we have to think about the future too.”
Chelsea, third last season, host London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.