Thomas Tuchel heaps praise on Sterling, Koulibaly and Cucurella after Chelsea debuts

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has spoken on his side’s new summer signings amid the potential arrival of more players before the end of the transfer window.

So far this window, the Blues have been able to acquire Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly and Marc Cucurella, with all of them making their competitive debuts in the 1-0 win against Everton on Saturday evening.

They have also signed 18-year-olds Carney Chukwuemeka and Gabriel Slonina, with the club keen to add more talented youth.

Wesley Fofana and Frenkie de Jong have also emerged as potential targets for the summer, with the window set to close at the start of September.

Chelsea’s signings so far have been statements of intent as they try to close the gap on Manchester City and Liverpool this season.

Tuchel has now commented on his new arrivals, but believes that there is still some work to be done in the market for the campaign.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the win at Goodison Park, he said: "I think if we can add to the squad we add. 

“Midfielders maybe not the first option but we can use new legs and fresh input to bring us to a new level. If not, we will push. 

“We could use some input and more quality. We are on it."

Sterling and Koulibaly both started against the Toffees, with the former playing the full 90 minutes and the latter being substituted for Cucurella, who played in the latter stages of the match.

Conor Gallagher also made his debut for the club, having recently returned from his impressive loan spell at Crystal Palace to finally feature for the club where he spent many years as a youth player in the Cobham academy.

The victory against Everton was hard fought, with the hosts testing the Chelsea defence on many occasions throughout the 90 minutes.

Kalidou Koulibaly for Chelsea. (Alamy)

Jorginho’s goal towards the end of the first half was enough to settle it however.

Ben Chilwell was fouled inside the area deep into stoppage time, with his Italian teammate soon stepping up to convert the penalty for his side.

Such a result sees Chelsea sit sixth in the Premier League table after matchday one, with a clash against Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge awaiting them next weekend.

Tuchel spoke on the result after the match and said: “It was maybe not the most exciting Premier League game. Seven minutes of extra time in the first half, ten minutes in the second half tells the story. Lots of interruptions and no team could find the rhythm.

“We struggled with the moments, to feel the moments, for the change of speed and switch of play. We didn't maybe want to take the risk in the final 25 metres. 

“We didn't have enough movement on the ball in the second half and that didn't create enough ball losses. The ball was stuck between the halves.”