A boyhood Chelsea fan, it feels almost inevitable that Rice will end back at Stamford Bridge at some point but if the Hammers keep progressing they way they have been, it might be a while. So it was no surprise when Thomas Tuchel was asked about the England international at his pre-match press conference on Friday ahead of the first versus fourth clash in the Premier League on Saturday lunchtime.
Thomas Tuchel said: “Well these things happen and I cannot comment on this because it happens at every single club in the world, that sometimes players get released in one moment and they have their career in a different way, so this is a pretty normal thing. I am absolutely aware that he is a Chelsea boy and he comes through the academy and he is very close to our guys. He’s a very strong player.”
Tuchel has identified West Ham’s midfield area as a key battle ground on Saturday. The Blues will be shorn of the services of N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic through injury, but Jorginho should return to the starting line up having missed Wednesday’s win at Watford.
Thomas Tuchel added: “I am absolutely impressed by Soucek and him [Rice]. What they do since I came into the Premier League. What they do for West Ham. They are real helpers on the pitch, they have an incredible volume both of them. They take responsibility for high pressing, for deep defending, for filling the gaps on the wings, for deep build up, for goals from set pieces. Both of them are simply doing everything. Declan is an important member of the England team, so it speaks for itself. Very strong in build up, very intelligent in passing and, of course, they are quality players. On top of it, the two midfielders represent pretty much what West Ham is all about, they have the heart to play this game to the full extent and they are very good characters in sportsmanship. They play with passion, the whole team plays with passion, they never give up and there’s a lot of quality behind it.”
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