Tuchel explains why Saul hasn’t played after his nightmare debut

Thomas Tuchel

talked about the reason behind

Saul Niguez

not playing for

since his nightmare debut for the Blues in the Premier League clash against

.

The Spanish joined Chelsea on a loan deal from Atletico Madrid over the summer. The Spain international was put in the starting XI in the battle against Villa in September, but he has only featured for 45 minutes and another 76 against the same team but in the Carabao Cup.

When quizzed about why Saul is not played in the Premier League, with Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Ross Barkley being the favorites in their 3-1 victory over Southampton, the Blues boss said:

“He was very, very close to start.

“In the end I decided against him because I thought to put him in another high pressing match, against an opponent pressing so high in the centre of the pitch, would it be fair to say, ‘Okay now prove it and let’s see if your adaption has gone further?’

“I hesitated a little bit. He does not need to worry. Just work hard and adapt and the chances will come. We have only 11 to give a chance. I would like to see it in a positive way.

“If you turn it around of course you have eight players who we didn’t trust today from the beginning. This is a reality. I cannot hide from this reality.”

Saul has not been called up to be part of the Spain squad and he can focus on his club career on the international break. He has to struggle for a place in the squad but he has contributed to Europa League and La Liga titles when he played for Atletico in 340 matches.

Chelsea will face Brentford in the Premier League on October 16.

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