Tuchel faces first struggle as transfer market stutters

The Independent’s football newsletter [View in browser]( [The Independent]( January 21, 2022 [The Independent]( Reading the Game Written by Miguel Delaney Tuchel faces first struggle as transfer market stutters Chelsea know the problems but not yet the solutions Over the past few weeks, as the Chelsea players have looked a shadow of themselves in the league, they have perhaps seen the real Thomas Tuchel. The German is the first to admit he can lose his temper when agitated, and there’s been a lot to get at him. Chelsea have only won four of their last 13 games, and consequently lost all ground in the title race. It is now half a decade since they have properly competed for the Premier League. Tuchel is instead trying to save a league season. While Chelsea remain so convincing in the cups, the danger is arising that Champions League qualification becomes the struggle it shouldn’t be. Tuchel privately puts that down to a few reasons, some of which he has mentioned publicly. There’s obviously the fixture schedule he referenced on Tuesday, which has led to fatigue, and a fair few injuries. There’s no getting around it, almost literally. The absences of Reece James and Ben Chilwell have removed Chelsea’s width, making them a much narrower team and exacerbating the lack of connection in the centre. This is maybe the biggest issue. Romelu Lukaku was signed to “complete” the team and bring it onto the next level, but he still isn’t on the same wavelength as a functional attack. It leaves them really lacking. Tuchel is obviously a good enough coach to eventually come up with something, but he could do with the club’s usual customary home win over [Tottenham Hotspur this Sunday](. The club are well aware of his aptitude of course, and there is currently no suggestion his job is any way under threat. By contrast, Chelsea would argue they are much more patient than is often perceived. They could still do with results rather quickly. Lingard and Newcastle left looking around Manchester United rejected Newcastle United’s approach about a loan for Jesse Lingard out of hand. They didn’t even entertain the idea. Many may wonder why given [Ralf Rangnick](doesn’t seem to use him. While the German is said to appreciate some of Lingard’s qualities, it’s a different issue with another player who rarely gets a look in. Rangnick has wondered whether Donny von de Beek has the necessary positional discipline and physicality for the Premier League. There was a period where club staff thought a new conditioning programme could help the Dutch midfielder, but they’re still not seeing the results you'd expect. PSG may influence what happens at United Also at Old Trafford, there is still uncertainty over the manager, and the future of the player the club was supposed to be built around a few years ago. The only thing that seems nailed on is that Paul Pogba won’t sign a new deal. That has led to many much further afield making claims about what next. The feeling in both Madrid and Paris is that Pogba will go to Paris Saint-Germain, on a wage of around £500,000 a week, and that he will be joined by Zinedine Zidane. The French legend would be willing to take it but only between seasons. If that were the case, it would of course free Mauricio Pochettino… West Ham ready to spend but not yet to decide David Moyes is still making his mind up, but West Ham United are willing to spend up to £40m this window on a centre-half and - most importantly a striker. The forward under consideration is Blackburn Rovers revelation Ben Brereton Diaz. It is the 22-year-old’s very success that may count against him, though. West Ham would really need to do a deal before he goes on international duty at the end of the month, his surprise form for Chile having super-powered his career. Moyes is still unsure of whether he is ready for the Premier League, though. The search for a centre-half is no less complicated, if for different reasons. West Ham have been looking at Liverpool’s Nat Phillips, who many believe is almost the “perfect Moyes centre-half”. The manager himself isn’t certain, though. If West Ham don’t move, Burnley or Watford might. They also have an interest in the 24-year-old. The pressure doubles up for Howe The word around Newcastle United, somewhat predictably, is that [Eddie Howe isn’t guaranteed to keep his job](until the end of the season no matter what. The availability of Rafa Benitez only adds to the pressure. The Spanish manager was set to be installed after the takeover, but got tired of waiting. It’s possible he won’t have to wait that long for another chance. Howe needs wins fast. It isn’t impossible that Newcastle act if survival is still mathematically possible but results do not improve. This Saturday’s trip to Leeds United is another crunch fixture. Vlahovic cool on Premier League Fiorentina are willing to accept an Arsenal deal for Dusan Vlahovic, and Newcastle United are willing to pay more, but there’s one big problem. The player himself doesn’t want to rush into any decision, as he knows he could almost have his pick of clubs in the summer. Vlahovic has flat out rejected Newcastle, and still isn’t completely sold on Arsenal. That’s frustrating Fiorentina, since they could badly do with the money. Vlahovic’s camp are unwilling to engage in serious talks with any of his English suitors. Many expect what has long been suspected - that he will end up just going to Juventus. Top stories [Tottenham must seize the momentum as Antonio Conte fills club with hope before Chelsea test]( [Jurgen Klopp hails ‘world-class’ Diogo Jota as Liverpool reach Carabao Cup final]( Miguel's Dispatches After a few trips to Griffin Park, and it’s famous “pubs on every corner”, Wednesday was my first trip to Brentford’s new stadium. It’s a delightful little stadium, where its very modernity and compactness have allowed them to get almost everything right - not least the position of the press box. That’s fairly close to the touchline (and the benches) so you get the kind of colour you want, but high enough that you can see the whole pitch in perspective. This is one of those occasional press box conversations that actually comes up, as we discuss what the best vantage point is. West Ham United - at both the Boleyn and the Olympic - have long afforded you a panoramic view but only because it’s too high, and it can often be difficult to make out some of the players. The old White Hart Lane was way too low, but its proximity to the line meant you saw all sorts going on at the benches - including being able to hear the arguments, the stand-offs and the hassling of the fourth official by repeated coaches. It’s maybe why Tottenham’s new press box is that bit further back. It also lent to me once getting gently chided by an ex-pro working as a pundit, as I complained about not being able to see down the far side. “It’s good that it’s low,” I was told. “You boys get to experience what the muck and bullets are really like.” Quote of the day “Why me?” Cristiano Ronaldo to Ralph Rangnick on being taken off against Brentford. Reading the game quiz Seven clubs have won the Premier League since 1992. In that time, six players have appeared in the competition for at least three of those clubs, but never won the Premier League themselves. As an example, Steve McManaman would be close but wouldn't count. He never won it and played for Liverpool and Manchester City but not a third champion. Note: a player can have appeared for a club in a title-winning season, but not been given a medal. Lower-league appearances for one of the clubs do not count. Name the six. (Answers for last week: Liverpool 2018-19 (1 game); Liverpool 2008-09 (2 games); Chelsea 1998-99, Chelsea 2006-07, Arsenal 2007-08, Chelsea 2007-08 (all 3 games) Essential reading [Distant memories of fortress Old Trafford illustrate depth of Man United decline]( [Everton owner Farhad Moshiri addresses ‘difficult season’ and new manager search in letter to fans]( If you can spare a minute we’d love your [feedback]( on our newsletters. [The Independent]( Join the conversation or follow us [Facebook]( [Twitter]( Please do not reply directly to this email You are currently registered to receive The Independent's football newsletter. Add us to your safe list of senders. If you do not want to receive The Independent's football newsletter, please [unsubscribe](list_name=IND_Football_CDP). If you no longer wish to receive any newsletters or promotional emails from The Independent, you can unsubscribe [here](. 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