Tuchel not worried about Christensen’s commitment amid Barca interest

Thomas Tuchel

is not worried about

Andreas Christensen

’s commitment to

as the player had a crucial role for his side last season.

However, the centre-back’s deal is due to expire when the season ends and he has yet to agree on an extension contract.

As per reports, the Denmark international may make a move to

as he seems to be among the players Joan Laporta confirmed the signing of for the next season.

The last game he featured in was on March 16 against Lille, with Tuchel blaming it on tactical reasons on Saturday, when the Blues vanquished

4-1.

During the club manager’s press conference before the battle against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final, the 25-year-old’s name was mentioned, and the lack of commitment issue was mooted.

"

No. No concerns,"

Tuchel replied.

"Maybe it is a bit more challenging for him than normal, in a moment where everything is clear or you're fully committed to the club you play for, which is us and Chelsea.

"Maybe he cleared his future, I don't know it yet, but for me it was very clear when I started, and the bottom line in conversations I had with him was that as long as you're my player I expect you to be 100 per cent committed and I will not accept anything less.

"I will not start digging into how committed is he now, this only leads to distraction. This is what I demand from him. That he was out on Saturday was only a tactical choice to play with a back four.

"He is our player and we want to have the most of him. He needs to be focused, he needs to be determined, and this is what we expect from him. And I think it is what we can expect from him."

Christensen has played in 26 games this season, being in the starting XI seven times out of eight in the Champions League.

Although it may be Christensen’s last season at Chelsea, the Blues boss does not have ill feelings towards him. However, he insisted that the player should keep in mind the chances Blues have provided for him.

"

The situation of the club was pretty sure. I think I gave you an honest statement that he is in exactly the right place for his journey,"

Tuchel said.

"That he could continue with this club and become the defender that he can be, the real personality and the playing minutes figure that he wants to be.

"In my opinion, he shouldn't forget where he comes from, where his education comes from, where is home and that's just my opinion. He needs that kind of environment to bring the best out of him.

"That's just my opinion and I gave it some weeks ago but the talks in autumn and the summer were constant talks. We are in exchange with our players of course. I hope that my talks didn't make him want to leave but I don't think so.

"You cannot take these things personally. If he decides to take his career elsewhere, it is his decision. We understand it, maybe we don't need to agree. We will not take it personally.

"As long as he is our player, he is our player and I will not stop demanding from him. He needs to be fully, fully committed, this is what we expect and have experienced. You will have to ask him about his decision and what the reasons are."

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