Thomas Tuchel was heard welcoming Kalidou Koulibaly ahead of his first training session with Chelsea.
The Senegal international joined up with the squad late last week, with Tuchel’s introductory statement being heard in the club’s latest “Tour Diary”, which can be watched on their official website.
He joined up with his teammates on the tour of the United States after becoming the club’s second signing of the summer, following Raheem Sterling though the door at Stamford Bridge.
He is yet to make his debut for the club, although he has begun pre-season training, with the opening fixture of the Premier League season just two weeks away.
His presence was seemingly a positive one for his new manager, with Tuchel issuing a welcome statement in front of the whole team.
Tuchel welcomes Koulibaly to Chelsea
He said: “Welcome on the pitch officially Kalidou, so happy that you’re here, enjoy your first training session.”
After being urged to join by Jorginho and Edouard Mendy, the 31-year-old will be keen to get minutes into his legs, with a friendly against Arsenal coming up this weekend.
Tuchel meanwhile will be delighted that he has been gifted an international-level defender, although he’ll be hoping business at the back isn’t over.
With the departures of Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger, the club need to strengthen in order to compete with last season’s top two.
Reports have suggested the Blues are close to finally sealing a deal for Sevilla’s Jules Kounde, with them originally linked to the defender over a year ago.
While Barcelona continue to pose a threat to their signing of the Frenchman, Tuchel will be hoping they are able to get a deal over the line for the versatile Sevilla man, given Cesar Azpilicueta’s future is also far from secure.
In Koulibaly, the 23-year-old has an experienced yet dominant defender who can partner him, particularly if Chelsea begin to move towards a four-at-the-back system.
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