Thomas
Tuchel has admitted his personal expectations are driving his pursuit of an
extended tenure in charge at Chelsea.
The German head coach signed an 18-month contract in January with the option
for the club to extend it when he replaced Frank Lampard in January.
Tuchel has since led Chelsea to the FA Cup final and Champions League
semi-finals, while they are firmly in the race for a top-four Premier League
finish as he seeks to imprint his philosophy.
The former Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund boss said he was
initially anxious about the length of the contract offered by the Stamford
Bridge hierarchy, but he has since reassured himself he is "at the right
place".
"I had these concerns and after 15 minutes I said to myself it changes
nothing how many years the contract says," Tuchel said after Chelsea's 1-0
win against Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Saturday.
"I demand to deliver, to have an impact and be the best I can.
"If I deserve to stay, I want to stay as long as possible. I feel like part
of the family, it is super professional, we have unbelievable support and I
want to fight on the touchline with this team.
"I don't care what the contract says. If I deserve to stay longer, I will
stay longer. I feel free and good, I'm at the right place. If I want to stay
long, I need to deliver week in, week out."
Tuchel made Blues history by overseeing a 14-game unbeaten run at the start
of his reign, before a shock loss at home to West Brom earlier this month,
but his side has since responded to maintain hopes of a European and
domestic cup double this season.
Chelsea could move up to third in the Premier League with a victory at home
to Brighton on Tuesday, live on Sky Sports.
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