Thomas Tuchel looking to build backbone of youth in Chelsea first team
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel would love to bring more academy players into the first team squad after some of the youngsters helped the club progress in the FA Cup, he said on Friday.
Billy Gilmour, Reece James and Tammy Abraham combined for the latter’s goal against Barnsley while Callum Hudson-Odoi was also one of the brighter sparks in Thursday’s 1-0 victory that set up a quarter-final tie at home to Sheffield United.
Relying on academy players would be a departure for Chelsea, who have brought in proven senior talent year after year, but Tuchel said the youth teams were the ‘backbone’ of the club.
“The door is always open in my office for the coaches, officials from the academy,” the German told reporters ahead of Monday’s Premier League game at home to Newcastle United.
“I love to watch their training and in-house games on the other pitches, which is unfortunately not allowed at the moment because we’re in the bubble so it’s a bit more difficult than usual.
