Following the announcement earlier today that Reece James has signed a new long-term Chelsea contract, Thomas Tuchel offered his thoughts on the extension and how he believes the defender’s best is still to come.
James put pen to paper on a six-year deal before the players departed Cobham for the Croatian capital ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League group opener against Dinamo Zagreb.
The England international was part of the 23-man travelling party and his club boss was understandably pleased at the news of the homegrown Blue’s renewal.
‘He’s a very decisive player for us,’ said Tuchel. ‘He is an Academy player and I’ve said many times how important he is.
‘His development is far from over. There is a lot to learn for him and a lot to come but of course we’re happy to have a key player with us for so many years.’
Our clash with Dinamo also brings Mateo Kovacic back to the club at which he started his professional career 12 years ago and Tuchel admitted the midfielder was emotional at the prospect of being back in a city that remains close to his heart.
‘He’s a fantastic player of course but on top of it he’s a fantastic person and an unbelievable team player,’ Tuchel added of our number eight.
‘It’s a pleasure to be coach of him and it’s a pleasure for everybody to be his team-mate. Kova is a fantastic guy and it’s very important that he’s with us.
‘It’s very emotional for him. He’s very happy to be back here because it’s his city and the country for which he plays with a lot of pride. He’s finding his shape and we’re happy that he’s back on the pitch in training.’