Thomas Tuchel has insisted that Ben Chilwell can only benefit from Chelsea signing Marc Cucurella from Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Blues are expected to complete the acquisition of the left-sided player on Friday in a deal said to be worth in the region of £62m.
Such a large financial outlay on a player, particularly in the wing-back area, has led to suggestions that Chilwell may be demoted to second choice in that position.
The Englishman has not made a competitive start for Chelsea since suffering a serious knee injury in November, with the former Leicester City man having spent pre-season trying to prove his fitness.
As it stands, the 25-year-old has come through the summer unscathed and appears in line to start against Everton in the club's Premier League opener on Saturday evening.
© Reuters
However, at his pre-match press conference, Tuchel revealed that he hopes that the presence of Cucurella will help take any pressure off Chilwell with regards to game time and responsibility.
Speaking to reporters, Tuchel said: "Yes, absolutely. It can help Ben escape the pressure of 'I have to deliver' and 'we need you absolutely now'.
"We have, of course, at the moment in this position Marcos Alonso, Kenedy and Emerson, but hopefully, when things hopefully go through, Marc is the option on this position, and I think that he can play very well on the left of a back three. A bit like the profile of Azpi [Cesar Azpilicueta] with a left foot, and he gives us many options.
"Especially for Ben, he is very ambitious. He couldn't wait to come back to team training. He looks better and better, but at the same time, it looks like he needs a little bit more time to adapt to the rhythm and physicality of the match itself, which is absolutely normal.
© Reuters
"It's not only about training and training exercises and little pitches. It's at the end, a very demanding league and we have to take care about him. It's our responsibility and not just throw him in and see what is coming.
"He is impatient and we will never expect him to be fully patient, but he knows that everything needs its time, and he will get the time."
Although Tuchel referenced Alonso on Friday, reports emerged earlier in the day that the Spaniard is likely to join Barcelona over the coming days.
Furthermore, Kenedy has not been provided with a squad number, and Emerson Palmieri is attracting interest from Italy.
Darren Plant
