Reece James' development is "far from over," says Tuchel

Thomas Tuchel

said that

's growth is "far from over" after the

right-back signed a new long-term contract. James has become a key player for Tuchel's Chelsea team since he took over in January. He drives forward from a wing-back position or fills in on the right side of the German's preferred three-man defense. This season, James has played in five Premier League games.

The England international signed a new five-year deal with the Blues on Monday. He is said to be their highest-paid defender ever. Before Chelsea's first Champions League game against

Dinamo Zagreb

, Tuchel was happy that the Blues could keep one of their best players.

Tuchel said, "Of course, he's a significant player for us, and he's from our youth team. We've told you many times how important he is. I don't think his growth is done yet. He still has a lot to learn and a lot more to come. But of course, we're glad that a key player has been with us for so long."

Chelsea has gotten 10 points from their first six Premier League games at home, full of controversial calls. Last month, referee Anthony Taylor let

score two controversial goals in a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge. This led Tuchel to say that Taylor shouldn't referee Chelsea games anymore, which got him fined by the Football Association (FA).

On Saturday, a collision between Edouard Mendy and Jarrod Bowen led to a VAR review that stopped West Ham from scoring a last-second equalizer against the Blues. David Moyes called the decision "scandalous" and said that Mendy was pretending to be hurt. When asked about the many mistakes he thought had been made recently, Tuchel asked: "What can I say to make it clear and not have to pay another fine? Where do you stop?

"Our last three home games were like... I no longer want or need that. Red cards, VAR decisions, goals given, and not making decisions when it's clear. When it comes to the last game, I understand the frustration, and I know why this decision is being discussed. I can't say for sure one way or the other. It was when they played Tottenham, not now.

"I was glad that the referee had a chance to look at the situation on the field and then make a decision. There will never be a game without mistakes, but at least he made everyone feel like he made the decision. I understand your anger. It's not my place to say much about it, but I don't think anyone is happy with the quality of the mistakes."

When asked about Moyes' comments about Mendy, Tuchel concluded that the FA didn't punish the Irons manager. He also said: "I didn't hear the accusations, and when I talked about the referee, it cost me a lot.

"I told you I wouldn't say anything else after that. I can see why he's upset and see things from his point of view. Let's leave it at that." Chelsea has had a rough start to the season, and Tuchel thinks Tuesday's game in Zagreb is the perfect chance for the Blues to get their season going.

"We are in a time when we need to get better. We're not completely happy with how things turned out, "he said. "We're not happy with how we've played, so we need to take the next step. Since it's the

Champions League

, it's a fascinating time. We're very aware of how hard it will be. Playing the first game away in a group stage is always hard, and it can always get messy, but I think it's essential that we accept it and play a humble game. We will accept the challenge and the fight, and then we can also believe and trust that we can win, but we will have to do our best."

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