Hybrid 3-4-3/4-2-2-2 is a system that Tuchel should use more in big matches - worked so well vs Spurs 1st leg & Real Madrid away. Ziyech/RLC both played that hybrid right wing-back/right-sided 10 role well. It added unpredictability. Quality CB buys create a firm base to play it.

[Premier league panel]

Christian Pulisic:

"I started as a young 17-year-old kid who just needed to earn his spot in professional soccer, in the sport, being American over in Germany it was very tough for me at the start."

"I’ve had some moments, some tougher moments, and I’m continuing to have to prove myself and that’s exactly what I’m going to do."

"But he [Thomas Tuchel] definitely gave me my opportunity and clearly saw something in me, so I was really grateful for that. Then we had some good moments together, some tougher moments also."

"Could be [on Thomas Tuchel still seeing him as a youngster]. I guess you’d have to ask him. That’s not who I am anymore. He knows I’ve grown a lot as a player, there’s no doubt."

"I have grown a lot, that’s not how I want him to view me, I want him to view me as the player I am now. I’m just going to continue improving which I feel I have, and showing him why I deserve to be on the field as much as I can."

[via ESPNFC]

Christian Pulisic on Raheem Sterling's arrival:

"Great quality. We’re really excited about it. The beautiful thing about being at a club like this is the competition every single day."

"It doesn’t change [my role] a whole lot, I’m still going to have to play hard and earn my position, just like I did before, nothing crazy has changed.

"This is #Chelsea, this is what you signed up for, this is the kind of club it is with the calibre of players that we have."

"We all thrive competing with each other in training and getting to play with each other is just another great addition to the team."

[via ESPNFC]

Christian Pulisic on new owners:

"They’ve come in and done a really good job, in the way that they've spoken with the players and staff, just wanting to use that same Chelsea mentality, that winning mentality."

"But also bringing their American ways, their business ways and how they incorporate that into this team. On a day-to-day and the way we train and play, it doesn’t change a whole lot."

"The the guys are really enjoying it so far."

[via ESPNFC]

Ruben Loftus-Cheek:

"Still working. Think I need to go a size up in the shorts next game."

[via iG: rlc]

🚨The game will be available to watch live on the club’s official website, as well as Chelsea’s 5th Stand App. 

Its Matchday *checks time* - Match-late-night

🛎 3:00 AM UK time

Bakayoko starts for AC Milan in a pre-season friendly against FC Koln. Interesting to see what decision will be made on his future at AC Milan after pre-season. Hope he impresses. 😏

Chelsea midfielder, Tiemoué Bakayoko, has asked AC Milan to keep him for a second year of his loan so he can redeem a difficult year, despite interest from Valencia and Marseille.

- via Corriere dello Sport