Thomas Tuchel looking to build and bring young academy stars through under his watch at Chelsea

Billy Gilmour, Reece James and Tammy Abraham combined for the latter's goal against Barnsley while Callum Hudson-Odoi was also one of the brighter sparks in Thursday's 1-0 victory that set up a quarter-final tie at home to Sheffield United. Tuchel was impressed with what the youngsters produced and wants to reward them with playing time

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel would love to bring more academy players into the first-team squad after some of the youngsters helped the club progress in the FA Cup, he said on Friday.

Billy Gilmour, Reece James and Tammy Abraham combined for the latter's goal against Barnsley while Callum Hudson-Odoi was also one of the brighter sparks in Thursday's 1-0 victory that set up a quarter-final tie at home to Sheffield United.

Relying on academy players would be a departure for Chelsea, who have brought in proven senior talent year after year, but Tuchel said the youth teams were the 'backbone' of the club.

Transfers

Man Utd could earn millions from Sancho’s Champions League run – Paper Round

21/04/2024 at 08:31

• Exclusive: United eye cut-price Sancho deal
• Evolving Guardiola is leaving stale Mourinho behind

"The door is always open in my office for the coaches, officials from the academy," the German told reporters ahead of Monday's Premier League game at home to Newcastle United.

"I love to watch their training and in-house games on the other pitches, which is unfortunately not allowed at the moment because we're in the bubble so it's a bit more difficult than usual.

My belief is (the academy) is the backbone of any club. The more guys you have arrive in the first team, the better it is for the club."

Chelsea spent over £200 million ($276.86m) on new recruits prior to the season, with their biggest outlay on 21-year-old Kai Havertz who cost around £71m.

The Germany midfielder has failed to live up to expectations so far but Tuchel said it was a matter of time before he began to deliver.

"What we know is there is all this potential in him and he can show it on the pitch," the coach added.

Perez promises Mbappe and €100m to Zidane on one condition - Euro Papers

"Some players need more time to adapt, sometimes it's a process... I have a feeling that he's a guy who is clear, self-aware, humble and very talented. There are no doubts he will show this."

Tuchel confirmed that Andreas Christensen had been cleared of concussion in the win at Barnsley but fellow central defender Thiago Silva was ruled out of the game.

Champions League

Exclusive: Tuchel says Bayern must be 'almost perfect' in second leg to defeat Arsenal

16/04/2024 at 18:25

Champions League

'A kid’s mistake' – Tuchel slams 'horrible explanation' after Gabriel picks up ball in box

10/04/2024 at 06:17

Champions League

Exclusive: Tuchel can ‘feel the electricity’ at Arsenal - ‘They are the benchmark’

09/04/2024 at 11:59