Thomas Tuchel believes Kalidou Koulibaly is a ‘brilliant signing’ for Chelsea and says the former Napoli defender will bring “quality and experience” to his defense at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea completed a £33m deal for Koulibaly . on Saturdaywith the Senegal international signing a four-year contract in West London.
Koulibaly spent nearly a decade with Napoli, making 317 appearances for the Italian side and establishing himself as one of the best defenders in Serie A.
Tuchel was desperate to bolster his defensive options after seeing Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen will both leave at the end of the 2021-22 season.
Speaking of Chelsea’s move to Koulibaly, Tuchel said: “He brings experience, quality, top defense quality, length and everything we look for to play a back three or four.
“It’s another great asset for us and we hope he can show his quality as soon as possible. He is training outside now, he arrived yesterday.
“He knows some players, I think it will be very soon that he feels welcome in the group. It’s a nice group and everyone is very happy to have him with us now.’
Koulibaly’s Senegal team-mate Edouard Mendy has also commented on his move to Chelsea, describing the defender as a ‘top player’.
“I’ve known Kalidou for a while,” said Blues goalkeeper Mendy. “He was the first to welcome me to the national team, so we were in the same room first, when I first met him, when I got my first call-up, so the feeling was great.
“If you talk about his qualities on the pitch, I think I’ll show the people and the Chelsea fans this player and I hope they’ll enjoy watching him.
“He’s a top player, as everyone knows, but he’s a top person and that’s why he’s a very good asset in the dressing room.
“He’s a man who likes responsibility, but he can also joke with everyone, so we need someone like that. And I think everyone will be happy with him and what they see.
“Every year we had this – the link with Chelsea and Kalidou in the media – and this year it’s happening, so I’m happy!”
Koulibaly, meanwhile, says he is talking to Mendy and Chelsea midfielder Jorginho helped convince him to make the switch from Napoli.
“I’m very happy to be here with this team at Chelsea,” he said. “It’s a big team in the world and it’s always been my dream to play in the Premier League.
“Chelsea came first to get me in 2016, but we didn’t make it. When they came to me, I accepted because they really wanted me to come to the Premier League and play for them.
‘When I spoke to my good friends Edou [Mendy] and Jorginho made my choice easier.’
Koulibaly is Chelsea’s third signing of the summer, after Omari Hutchinson and Raheem Sterling.
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