TUCHEL: KIDS HAVE BRIGHT BLUES FUTURE

THOMAS TUCHEL has given the firmest indication yet to Chelsea’s homegrown stars that they have a place in his Stamford Bridge revolution.

Brought in to replace Frank Lampard, there was a fear the German would focus on getting the best out of the club’s big-money signings to secure a Champions League place.

However, Callum Hudsonodoi and Mason Mount have shone in Tuchel’s early games. And with Billy Gilmour in the starting lineup, Tammy Abraham (above) scored his first goal under Tuchel in the FA Cup win against Barnsley.

“The young players, they care absolutely about Chelsea, they live the spirit,” said Tuchel, whose team host Newcastle on Monday night.

“It is a good moment but also the most difficult way they choose to make it at Chelsea. At Paris Saintgermain, at Dortmund, it is one of the toughest challenges you can have.

“It is sometimes bumpy. You can go loan, but I like that they have accepted the challenge to make it here, and that they absolutely want to make it as a

Chelsea player, not only Premier League players. This is the spirit we want to feel, so we will push them.”

Toon defender Jamal Lewis has explained his dramatic slump in form late last year was down to the after-effects of Covid.

The Northern Ireland star, 23, said: “It took my legs from under me for a few weeks. You do not want to use excuses, and I take responsibility for my performances, but it is undeniable it had an effect on my rhythm and fitness.

“Now I am back on my feet and can really help the team the way I want to.”

CARLO ANCELOTTI says he is not surprised England boss Gareth Southgate is actively scouting Ben Godfrey, saying:

“To watch him is a pleasure for anyone.”

The £25million summer signing from Norwich has been a revelation at Everton, showing incredible versatility in his defending across a number of positions at the back.

And that is a massive attraction for Southgate, who is looking to bolster the defensive options in his squad, especially with Leicester’s James Justin ruled out for the season with a knee ligament injury.

Godfrey (above) has surprised many people with the speed in which he has settled at Goodison Park, not least Ancelotti.

When asked about Southgate’s interest in his player, the Toffees boss said: “I don’t think Gareth needs advice from me, but to see and watch Ben in this moment and this period, it is a pleasure for everyone.”

And asked if he was surprised the 23-year-old has developed so speedily, Ancelotti said: “It surprised me because I didn’t know him so well. The signing was from our scouting and I was surprised by this.

“Also, I was surprised because he was able to adapt very quickly to different positions.”

Godfrey was bought as a centre-half, but has shown real aggression and character playing at left-back. Ancelotti added: “He’s powerful, has a lot of energy, is tactically intelligent and really aggressive in the duels. He can play in different positions – this is really important.”

DANIEL FARKE is convinced Max Aarons could stay at Norwich next season – but only if the Canaries can get their promotion bid back on track.

Right-back Aarons, 21, (above) was linked with Barcelona last summer and attracted more overseas interest last month.

But City boss Farke said: “I am pretty, pretty hopeful there might be an option this summer here at Norwich, if we are a

Premier League option and can be for the next few seasons. I am quite confident that Max might be happy to go the next step with us.

“If you move at this age you have to be sure it is spot on, don’t rush it just because there is an opportunity, or a club who want to pay some money.

“It has to work for all parties. We are in the driving seat. Max is under contract so we will decide what happens.”

Norwich face Stoke today without a win or a goal in three league games, and were knocked off top spot by Brentford this week.

Farke added: “I don’t feel relief to be off the top.

“We had spent several game days there this season and two seasons ago. We are not scared of it. I hope to be back top in a few game days.

“We like to lead from the front. We like to be in the best position so I don’t see it as additional pressure.”

Potters boss Michael O’neill knows Norwich will provide the stiffest of tests.

He said: “When I look at all the teams we’ve played this season, we’ve not played a better one than Norwich.

“They will come out on the front foot right from the opening minutes of this game and we have to be wary of that and be brave enough to try and play ourselves.”