Thomas Tuchel in talks over new Chelsea contract
Chelsea have opened talks with manager Thomas Tuchel over extending his contract at Stamford Bridge.
The German initially signed an 18-month contract when he succeeded Frank Lampard in January 2021, but quickly extended his stay after guiding the club to an unlikely Champions League success.
Tuchel again steered Chelsea to a top four finish last season, and has been tasked with overseeing a radical change of playing personnel under new owner Todd Boehly.
Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner are among the recent high-profile departures in west London, but Tuchel appears to have the full backing of the club's board - something that has been illustrated by his confirmation that talks over a new deal are underway.
"My people talk to the owners and take care of everything else. You know how glad I am to be here and how much I like it," Tuchel told his press conference ahead of the weekend clash with Leeds.
"There are talks but I think given the situation where we come from, and where we are in the middle of the transfer period, I think it is the very best if I focus on my team and on sports and on being competitive," he added.
Tuchel will be on the touchline for Saturday's trip to Elland Road despite being handed a one-match ban for his fracas with Antonio Conte last Sunday, with the full written reasons for the suspension yet to be received.
He was also fined £35,000 for his behaviour, which saw both managers go head-to-head after a fiery London derby.