Chelsea are the envy of English and perhaps European football. The West London club won the Champions League barely four months ago and are cruising at the top of the English Premiership. Despite the slight bump against Burnley over the weekend.
Thomas Tuchel has instilled a team mentality last seen in the 2004-05 season under Jose Mourinho. Their strength lies in a defence that has managed multiple clean sheets and conceded only four goals this season.
The goals have not been flowing, but the team will not worry much. Chelsea defenders have contributed more goals this season, with Reece James heading the park.
While the team continues to power on, there are worries over the contracts of several of its defensive linchpins. Andreas Christensen is one of the players on the verge of leaving the club. Antonio Rudiger is another player in such a similar situation.
Christensen unperturbed by contract worries
Every team has a philosophy by which it plays, and Thomas Tuchel has laid the fulcrum of his team on a solid defence line. Chelsea holds the record for the least number of goals conceded in a Premiership season. Jose Mourinho and his John Terry led defence conceded 15 goals all season to set the mark.
Thomas Tuchel and his wards are on course to shatter that record. They are currently on four goals conceded. It is the reason why the contract situation of several of its defenders is a worry.
Andreas Christensen is one of the players with festering contract issues. The Dane has a contract that will expire in the summer, and it is giving the club grey hairs, but Christensen has dispelled anya of leaving the Blues.
Christensen has tried to calm frayed nerves over his future. The 25-year-old defender has been a mainstay of Tuchel’s defence this season. Everything indicates he will be around for a while.
Christensen’s thoughts on his Chelsea future
Speaking to the club’s website, Christensen expressed a desire to extend his contract soon when the question popped up. The defender is focused on his performance with the team, and his future at Chelsea does not worry him.
According to Christensen via Standard Sport, the player feels valued and happy but was not prepared to go into his contract situation. He feels slightly amused at the thought that it is a bad situation with the club. He insists that he is happy and enjoying his game at the moment.
Reports claimed in September that talks are going on smoothly with the player. They insist a long-term deal of £120,000-a-week is close to being completed.
Chelsea have more than Christensen as a worry on their hands. They go into the next couple of months with the dread of losing several defenders for free.
Antonio Rudiger is on the same boat with Thiago Silva and Cesar Azpilicueta. The trio have contracts that expire in 2022 and are free to negotiate pre-contracts with other clubs.
By :
Steven D. Thompson
