Thomas
Tuchel has vowed not to let disagreements over transfer targets sour
relations at Chelsea in the same way they did during his time at Paris
Saint-Germain.
Tuchel fell out with PSG sporting director Leonardo over player recruitment
and was sacked on Christmas Eve last year.
The German was widely reported to have been unhappy PSG were not prepared to
finance a move for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who scored 79 times in 95
appearances at Dortmund under Tuchel's tutelage.
"Back in the days at Dortmund, it was a pure pleasure to have him in the
squad," said Tuchel.
"Auba was a fantastic striker, a fantastic finisher on the pitch. But, more
than that, he was a fantastic worker off the pitch.
"I think he did not miss one single training in two years. Maybe he arrived
five minutes late on the training ground, that can happen with him! But if
he does this, he is in a hurry, he feels sorry, he still has a smile on his
face.
"It was a very reliable relationship because he delivered an unbelievable
amount of goals, his speed was unique in the Bundesliga and he was a crucial
player. A bit of a crazy guy, but nice crazy.
"We still are in touch and exchange messages when one of us has a big win.
In some ways, he will still always be my player, so I want him to succeed
and have a good time wherever he is.
"This contact never fully stopped and it's nice to see him because he's
always on for a hug and it's nice to see him laugh. But, of course, we want
to stop him and there is no exchange now before the game."
Tuchel admits the transfer window can cause divisions in the camp but is
keen to maintain the harmonious start he has enjoyed at Stamford Bridge
since taking over from Frank Lampard in January.
"Transfer periods can be real mood breaks between coaches and clubs and I
don't want to have this ever again," added Tuchel.
"I have zero ambition to ruin this atmosphere, not for myself or for anybody
else. Do we have some ideas how to improve the squad? Yes, we do. But will
we fight about it? No, we will not.
"We will discuss it and first of all we will finish this season because it
is not time to reflect now."
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