Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel has discussed Kalidou Koulibaly and Raheem Sterling’s performances against Udinese in their final match of pre-season.
Koulibaly made his first start for the Blues in Italy, while Sterling got further minutes in his tank ahead of the new season.
The pair are the only two signings that Tuchel has been able to make this summer as he looked to add to his squad in order to compete at the top of the Premier League next season.
The Blues came out 3-1 victors against Udinese, with Sterling getting his first goal for the Blues.
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N’Golo Kante bagged the first goal, dribbling forward before unleashing a low driven shot into the bottom corner on his weak foot.
After a fine pass from Jorginho, the winger attempted to chip the Udinese goalkeeper before a bit of fortune saw Sterling score his first goal in the blue shirt, rebounding off him to put Chelsea two goals ahead on the night.
Udinese pulled one back before half-time but Chelsea came out winners, with Mason Mount bagging the final goal of the match after a fine bit of play from Callum Hudson-Odoi, who found Mount with a low cross to allow an open goal finish.
Speaking after the match to Chelsea’s official website and 5th Stand app, Tuchel discussed the performances of his two new players.
When asked about Sterling, he said: "He had chances, very heavily involved in other chances, it was a good performance."
The German was also full of praise for Senegal international Koulibaly, who signed from Napoli for £34 million earlier this summer.
He continued: "He deserves (praise). A very, very good signing.
"A strong personality, a strong player and happy that he could play 70 minutes now.
“He’s getting fitter and fitter which is very important for us for the start of the season."
Chelsea face Everton in the first game of the season as they travel to Goodison Park to face Frank Lampard’s Toffees.
Everton have been heavily linked with making moves for Chelsea outcasts Ross Barkley and Michy Batshuayi this summer, with the pair potentially making permanent moves from Stamford Bridge this transfer window.
It remains to be seen as to whether a deal can be struck for either player, with a week until the beginning of the new Premier League season.
Chelsea will be hoping to compete at the top of the table once more as they look to make further additions this summer to add to the signings of Sterling and Koulibaly.
Topics: Chelsea, Thomas Tuchel, Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly, Football
Nick Emms