Thomas Tuchel
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has revealed the characteristics that have made Cesar Azpilicueta an ‘fantastic’ captain at Stamford Bridge. The Spaniard has been with the club since a 2012 move from Marseille. In the time since, he has made 433 appearances for the Blues in what has been one of the most successful periods in Chelsea’s history. He was rewarded for his excellent performances with the captain’s armband in 2019, as he assumed responsibilities from the departed Gary Cahill. Azpilicueta, now 32, has continued to be a key figure in the Chelsea dressing room and has lifted the Champions League and UEFA Super Cup since being named skipper, whilst continuing to earn rave reviews from fans and teammates alike. Tuchel backs those views and has gone into detail about quite how Azpilicueta has managed to command such respect and admiration.
Thomas Tuchel said: “He is very emotional but he is calm, he leads by example. He is not [giving] speeches everyday. When you put him in every single exercise you know what the level is up to. The captain is in top shape, has had sleep. This is fantastic, the guy deserves. If you play 300 matches on that kind of level and win so many trophies, you deserve it. There is no luck behind it. It’s hard work and determination. What a good guy.”
Azpilicueta is currently on international duty with Spain and played the full 90 minutes as his nation fell to a 2-1 defeat to Sweden in 2024 World Cup qualifying. He could next be in action for his country as they take on Georgia on Sunday.
