Anthony Gordon makes honest Chelsea transfer admission and reveals Thomas Tuchel stance

Anthony Gordon is eager to start working with Thomas Tuchel, having had his sights set on joining the esteemed coach when he was at the helm of Chelsea. Now 23, Gordon has successfully cemented his place in the England squad following his debut in March and has continued to impress at Newcastle.

Gordon's move to Newcastle from Everton in January 2023 came after links with Chelsea the previous summer, with Tuchel then keen to secure the forward for the Blues. The two will now have the opportunity to collaborate as Tuchel takes on the role of England head coach next year.

"It was quite close to be honest," admitted Gordon regarding his potential Chelsea transfer. "I was desperate to go at the time and work with him especially.

"I felt like my style would suit his style of play, the way he was playing at Chelsea which was very exciting for me. "It didn't end up happening."

Despite the missed opportunity, Gordon looks forward to finally teaming up with Tuchel. "It was a big opportunity for me that didn't end up happening and I'm looking forward to getting to work with him a couple of years later," he added.

Gordon expressed his eagerness to work under Tuchel at Chelsea, but was taken aback when it was suggested that the German might see him as a left wing-back. "I wouldn't say for the new manager to be honest just because that's way too far into the future," he said on where he could feature in Tuchel's England setup.

The young talent is carrying this self-assurance into Thursday's pivotal Nations League match against Greece. With a victory required at the packed Olympic Stadium in Athens to secure automatic promotion to the competition's top tier, Gordon is not distracted by the prospect of play-offs or the fact that Tuchel won't be present for this month's games.

Gordon downplayed the notion that players are eager to impress the new 51 year old manager, focusing instead on the immediate challenge. "We have got to be present with what's in front of us.," he added.

"We're facing a Greece team who have just beaten us, and we've still got Lee in charge and we have to impress him. "All focus is on that right now and putting that game right from last time we played them."

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