Everton forward Anthony Gordon has said he is excited to finally work under new England manager Thomas Tuchel — two years after his transfer to Chelsea failed to materialize.
Following the recruitment trend under the Todd Boehly-led consortium, Chelsea tried to sign Gordon, one of the most exciting young wingers in the Premier League, in the summer of 2022. Then-coach Tuchel was a big fan of the 23-year-old and showered him with praise after a game between Chelsea and Everton at Old Trafford.
Gordon was excited by the idea of playing under Tuchel, but Chelsea and Everton could not agree on the transfer fee, causing the talks to break down. Now, two years later, Gordon will finally get the opportunity to play in Tuchel’s system, as the German will soon take the reins from interim England manager Lee Carsley.
Anthony Gordon Excited to Play Under Incoming England Boss Thomas Tuchel
Speaking to the press ahead of England’s UEFA Nations League Group B2 clash with Greece on Thursday, November 14, Gordon expressed his admiration for the former Chelsea manager. He also revealed how close he was to moving to Stamford Bridge.
Gordon said (via Daily Star):
“Yeah, it was quite close to be honest (move to Chelsea). 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.
“I spoke to him after the game. I shook his hand and that was about it, he said some really complimentary things to me, that I’ll keep to myself. But I felt a lot of warmth from him, which then in turn made me really want to play for him, but I didn’t get that chance.”
He added:
“It didn’t end up happening. It was a big opportunity for me that didn’t happen, and I’m looking forward to getting to work with him a couple of years later.”
Tuchel will take charge of England on January 1, meaning he will not be able to influence England’s fate in the UEFA Nations League. According to reports, the ex-Bayern Munich coach has also refrained from traveling to Athens to see the Three Lions in action this week.
