INTERESTING – Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel responds to links to Man Utd job for first time

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has replied to speculations connecting him to a spectacular summer switch to Manchester United. Tuchel, who is under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2024, is said to be United’s top target this summer when they hunt for a new manager.

Chelsea fans are concerned about Tuchel’s future since the club’s future remains unknown following sanctions imposed on owner Roman Abramovich. With the club up for sale, there is suspicion that Tuchel may not be able to stay at Stamford Bridge for long.

Tuchel was asked about United links for the first time at his pre-match press conference on Friday, and he had a stern response. When asked about his reaction, he simply stated: “In fact, there is no reaction at all.

“In my situation, do you think I’m less devoted to the club or less active in it? Certainly not. I’ve stated numerous times that I enjoy being here, that I enjoy working for Chelsea, and that this club has everything it requires to make me happy. As a result, there is no necessity. And we have lots of reasons to stay in the present moment here, which is what we do.”

United is still looking for a new manager, and club officials are said to have made Tuchel their top priority. The Chelsea head coach is riding high after winning the Champions League and Club World Cup, and it appears that Old Trafford executives have taken notice.

Ralf Rangnick, United’s current interim head coach, will leave the club at the end of the season to work as a consultant, leaving the dugout open for a new permanent manager. With Rangnick anticipated to have a say in who replaces him, the links to Tuchel have only grown stronger.

After spending time in the Bundesliga, the two are said to be on good terms, and it was even suggested earlier this week that the Chelsea manager might be open to hearing what United has to offer. However, the German has since denied that conjecture and stated that his main focus is on difficulties in west London.

Chelsea was drawn against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals on Friday, presenting the Blues with a difficult challenge in maintaining their title as European champions. And Tuchel agreed that the draw couldn’t have been more difficult for them.

He stated: “That’s a difficult one. The challenge cannot be any greater than playing the second leg in Bernabeu in front of a crowd [as things now stand]. It’s a massive challenge, but there’s also a lot of enthusiasm about this game, around this matchup. So we know what’s coming, and it’ll be an exciting contest as well as a difficult task.”

Chelsea is unable to sell tickets to fans for either leg of the last-eight encounter due to restrictions imposed on the club, which means they will play at an empty Stamford Bridge and a hostile Bernabeau. Tuchel also admitted that it would be a disgrace to be without support for either leg.

He stated: “It would be an impediment. But listen, in general, this game is for the viewers, and the game alters drastically with the presence of spectators. So, hopefully, we’ll be able to discover a solution. I’m confident that everyone at the club and on the board will fight for a chance.

“I’m not sure how likely it is, but the games, especially these games, are for the audience. It’s a different game when the stadium is packed. Hopefully, we’ll be able to make it happen in some way.”