Ferdinand says there must be something behind the scenes at Chelsea
‘If they don’t have any more movement in the window, I’d be worried about them’: Rio Ferdinand says there ‘must be something behind the scenes’ making Thomas Tuchel ‘unhappy’ at Chelsea
- Rio Ferdinand believes ‘something’ is happening behind the scenes at Chelsea
- Thomas Tuchel went on a rant after the Blues 4-0 pre-season defeat to Arsenal
- Chelsea have signed just four senior players so far this summer, as they rebuild
Former Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand believes ‘something’ is happening behind the scenes at Chelsea following Thomas Tuchel’s recent rant.
The former England defender was referring to the Blues manager’s press conference after their 4-0 preseason defeat to Arenal, where Tuchel explained the problems with his squad.
The Blues managed to only win one of their pre-season friendlies on their tour of the USA against Club America, Charlotte and the Gunners.
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel (pictured) seems unhappy at Chelsea after his recent rant
Pundit Rio Ferdinand believes ‘something’ is happening behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea have signed four senior players so far this summer – Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly, Carney Chukwuemeka and Gabriel Slonina – after losing Andreas Christensen to Barcelona and Antonio Rudiger to Real Madrid on free transfers.
Romelu Lukaku, who re-joined the Blues for £97million last summer, has also gone out on loan to Serie A side Inter Milan.
Ferdinand feels the German may be disgruntled by the lack of activity in the transfer market with the new Premier League season set to begin this weekend.
Ferdinand feels the German may be disgruntled by the lack of activity in the transfer market
‘I don’t care about results in pre-season, it was more the aftermath,’ Ferdinand told Mirror Sport via BT Sport.
‘The way the manager spoke in the press conference afterwards was the startling thing for me, it opened my eyes.
‘There must be some things happening behind the scenes that we’re not aware of as yet, he seems disgruntled and unhappy.
‘There are maybe some players angling for a move behind-the-scenes that we’re not aware of.
‘He’s brought Sterling in who will be a great addition, but if they lose the players that they’re talking about losing.
The former defender says Raheem Sterling (pictured) and Kalidou Koulibaly are good additions
‘Rudiger’s a massive loss, but Koulibaly’s come in – I think he’ll be a good signing this year.
‘He’s experienced. But I think they need more again and I think he’s very aware of that and it’s not happening quick enough for them.
‘If they don’t have any more movement in the window, I’d be worried about them.’
The former defender’s comments were sparked by Tuchel’s post-match remarks in Florida after being asked if Chelsea will be ready for the new Premier League campaign.
Tuchel said: ‘I can not guarantee it. I saw today a team in Arsenal who are mentally committed to an idea of playing, a level of exhaustion, a level of physical commitment that we could not match.
‘Also, a level of mental commitment that we lacked because we have a lot of players who are thinking about leaving and looking at their options. We have players that have left and I think at the moment that’s obvious.’
The Blues boss Tuchel is desperate to add more quality players to his squad this summer
Tuchel added: ‘We had an urgent appeal for quality players and a huge amount of quality players.
‘We’ve got two quality players – that is no doubt – but we are not competitive like this and unfortunately, we could see it today.’
Chelsea could still see several more players head for the exit door before the transfer window slams shut with Hakim Ziyech, Marcos Alonso, Armando Broja, Timo Werner, Kepa Arrizabalaga and club captain Cesar Azpilicueta all linked with moves this summer.
Chelsea could still see several more players head for the exit door including Hakim Ziyech
With the squad in a period of transition under new ownership after a consortium led by US businessman Todd Boehly completed a takeover in May, Ferdinand feels the Blues will miss out on finishing in the top four this campaign.
‘I think it [the top six in order] will go Man City, Liverpool, Spurs, Man Utd, Chelsea, Arsenal.’
Chelsea are, however, still exploring all options with Brighton’s Marc Cucurella edging closer to agreeing a £50million move.
Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has also been linked, but it seems unlikely they get anymore players in ahead of the season opener away to Everton on Saturday.
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