Ben Chilwell didn’t exude any negative energy towards Thomas Tuchel after he was replaced by Marcos Alonso in the Chelsea starting line-up, according to The Athletic.
Chilwell would’ve been excused using some curse words when Alonso took his place in the team, considering the productive campaign he’d enjoyed up until that point.
Chelsea’s £45m (BBC Sport) signing had been one of the clubs most consistent performers.
But this didn’t prevent Tuchel from reintroducing a player who had only previously made three Premier League appearances for Frank Lampard in 2020/21.
Alonso has since started in six of the nine games under the Blues new coach, with Chilwell limited to just three in that period.
But according to The Athletic’s sources, the England international hasn’t considered complaining to Tuchel about this situation or wanted to kick up a fuss.
It is even believed Chilwell accepted his form had taken a dip towards the tail end of Lampard’s tenure and that is exclusion was to be expected.
He did play the full 90 minutes in Chelsea’s recent 0-0 draw with Manchester United and could’ve earned an assist had Hakim Ziyech converted his second half chance.
Tuchel still seems to prefer Alonso, both for his height and confidence at playing wing-back.
The Spaniard will probably get the nod ahead of Chilwell again for the Blues trip to Liverpool on Thursday evening.
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I was certainly surprised when I saw Alonso’s name instead of Chilwell’s on Tuchel’s first team sheet.
This decision does seem to make more sense as the days go by, but I can’t help feel sorry for Chilly.
Luckily, he will always be guaranteed a game thanks to the manager’s constant chopping and changing.