Thomas Tuchel feels “very confident” he can complete his current Chelsea contract that runs until 2024.
The German boss is approaching one year at the Stamford Bridge helm, in which time he has led the Blues to the Champions League and European Super Cup titles, and the FA Cup final.
The Blues trail runaway Premier League leaders Manchester City by 13 points after Saturday’s 1-0 loss at the Etihad Stadium, however, with expectations of a genuine title challenge dashed after frustrating recent results.
But Chelsea will nonetheless make the trip to Brighton on Tuesday with Tuchel still buoyant on his current and future situation in west London.
Asked if he has an option of further time at Chelsea under his current terms, the 48-year-old said: “I don’t even know; I don’t even know to be honest!
“I think I have a contract until 2024, and let’s stay with this and let’s try to stay as long as this contract says.
“Because history tells us that it’s not that easy, but I feel very confident today that I can make it.
“I don’t want to be anywhere else, this is absolutely sure.
“I feel very happy, and let’s see what’s going on.
“But everybody knows what you need, you need results, and I’m responsible for creating an atmosphere that gives us the results.
“So all the focus is into the process and not into the result. What counts for games counts for my personal situation the same.”
Club-record signing Romelu Lukaku continues to fight for top form, with the Blues struggling for fluency in Sunday’s loss.
But Tuchel said Chelsea were helping the £98million summer recruit seek the perfect balance of pressure and peace.
Asked if he had expected more from Lukaku on Sunday, Tuchel replied: “We expected more from all our offensive performers in the last match.
“I think we had enough offensive actions, transitions, to hurt Man City more than we did.
“If this answers your question, maybe not 100 per cent, but he is included in our offensive component.
“He’s a key player, so there will always be pressure but not more pressure than he puts on himself.
“And we need to find a mix between all the expectations, the pressure and to be relaxed enough to play your best game, because it’s not only about pushing, about demands, it’s also about feeling peace and being relaxed on the pitch.”
Southampton are keen to strike a deal for the permanent transfer of on-loan Chelsea youngster Armando Broja, with the forward having hit five Premier League goals this term.
Tuchel insisted any talk of a transfer must be shelved, though, so the Albania striker can focus purely on this season.
“He’s our player and he’s doing good, but at the same time it’s only half a season, so he needs to continue to improve and to make his statement at Southampton,” Tuchel said.
“We have a reason why they are our players, they have quality and mentality and now they are out there on their own in different environments and clubs, and proving themselves.
“Armando’s getting better and better, he’s a very unique player with unique strengths in his game, he has speed, he’s robust and he’s a goalscorer.
“First of all now is not the moment to discuss about the summer – it’s the moment for him to stay calm and keep on improving.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here