Thomas Tuchel has confirmed he is in talks with Chelsea over a contract extension.
The German coach’s current contract already runs until 2024, but Chelsea’s new owners are keen to keep him in west London for the long term.
Tuchel signed an 18-month contract to replace Frank Lampard at the helm in January 2021.
The former Paris St Germain and Borussia Dortmund boss then signed an extension after leading the Blues to the Champions League title in 2022.
New owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali have been impressed with Tuchel’s tenure, and new Chelsea bosses want to keep the 48-year-old at the helm of Stamford Bridge.
Asked about his contractual situation, Tuchel said: “There are discussions. But I think given the situation where we come from and where we are in the middle of the transfer period, I think it’s best if I focus on my team and on the sport and on competitiveness.
“My people talk to the owners and take care of everything else.
“You know how happy I am to be here and how much I like it. So that’s a good thing. »
Chelsea face Leeds at Elland Road on Sunday with Tuchel able to take his place in the dugout despite FA sanctions following his clash with Tottenham manager Antonio Conte in last weekend’s derby.
The Blues boss was handed a one-match touchline ban, but this has been suspended pending the written judgment of the Independent Disciplinary Committee.
Tuchel was fined £35,000 and Conte £15,000 for misconduct as both managers were sent off full-time after the 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.
Tuchel faces further anticipation of the outcome of an FA investigation into his post-match comments, suggesting ‘maybe it would be better’ if Anthony Taylor no longer referees Chelsea.
The German insisted, however, that he never questioned Taylor’s integrity.
On his comments on Taylor, Tuchel said: “I think it’s more than just a feeling, there are statistics that point out that we struggle to get the same results with him as a referee.
“Again, we have never attacked or questioned his integrity or his honor. It was about this game and I think it was in an acceptable way without being personal or going out of line.
“I will accept (all decisions) but maybe it would be better (if Taylor no longer referees Chelsea).
“I want to make it very clear that I did not attack his integrity. I said very, very early on that both decisions were decisions for VAR.
“I wasn’t happy with the way he whistled the game, but it’s okay. But that’s what happens. It will go to the FA and they will decide.
