'Tuchel was one of the main reasons I joined Chelsea' admits Zakaria

The Swiss midfielder joined the Blues less than a week before Tuchle’s shock dismissal.

Denis Zakaria has revealed Thomas Tuchel was one of his main reasons to join Chelsea.

A deadline-day move saw Zakaria join the Blues from Juventus on a loan deal. Tuchel pushed for midfield recruitment toward the end of the summer transfer window.

However, he left the club before handing Zakaria his Chelsea debut.

Speaking to Blick, the former Borussia Monchengladbach star said: “Thomas Tuchel was one of the reasons I went to Chelsea, he’s a great coach. I haven’t had much time with him, but that’s football. Everything goes fast.

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“I might have a new chance with the new coach, about whom I’ve heard a lot of good things. I will work a lot to get my place.”

Chelsea went on to appoint Graham Potter as their new manager shortly after sacking Tuchel.

Zakaria made his unofficial Chelsea debut under Potter, scoring in his side’s behind-closed-doors friendly against Brighton.

Following an underwhelming draw against Salzburg in the Champions League, Potter’s side are preparing to return to Premier League action after the international break.

The Blues will travel to Selhurst Park to take on Crystal Palace before hosting AC Milan in a crucial UCL clash.