https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/2022/02/04/
tuchel-on-kenedy-s-clean-slate-and-where-he-can-fit-in-at-chelse
Tuchel on Kenedy's clean slate and where he can fit in at Chelsea
04 Feb 2022
The big news from the Premier League squad list Chelsea submitted
yesterday was the inclusion of Kenedy, who is back at the Bridge and
hoping to make a lasting impression under Thomas Tuchel.
https://i.imgur.com/TZm6eCT.jpg
The Brazilian last played for the Blues just over four years ago,
subsequently embarking on loan spells at Newcastle, Getafe, Granada and
Flamengo. He returned to Cobham last month as we searched for cover on the
left side of the pitch in the wake of the season-ending injury Ben
Chilwell sustained.
With no new additions during the January transfer window and attempts to
recall Emerson Palmieri rebuffed, Kenedy will now form part of the squad
until the end of the season, and at his press conference today Tuchel
underlined the opportunity that has presented itself to the 25-year-old,
who joined Chelsea in 2015.
'It is absolutely a clean slate for him,' said Tuchel. 'He knows it.
'I have known him for many years. I followed him when he started at
Chelsea, I followed him when he played for Newcastle. He was very
impressive in the beginning of his career, very promising.
'He lost track a little bit, maybe he could not fulfil his own dreams or
the demands everybody from outside had on him. But this is life sometimes.
He gets a second and third chance now to be here. It's not about the past
or what happened or didn't happen.
https://i.imgur.com/yzFDCmI.jpg
Kenedy during his last Chelsea game against Norwich in January 2018
'He was good in pre-season. He wanted to go back to Brazil to take a
chance there, and then we had the situation with Ben. Having Kenny and
Emerson on loan, Kenny was possible and I am happy he is here.
'It is his duty to get fit,' continued Tuchel. 'We have to bring him to
match fitness and he needs some minutes. He needs to deserve but he is now
part of the group. He is a very nice guy, very talented and let's see
where he is and if he can make it. It's a huge opportunity for him and I'm
more than happy to give it to him and to make the best out of it and help
him.'
When it comes to where Kenedy could fit in to his line-up, Tuchel was in
no doubt that left wing-back would fit him best if we are using the boss's
favoured 3-4-3 shape.
'It's the perfect role for him given his profile as a player. He has a
very strong left foot; he is very strong in possessional play. He can
shoot and cross very precisely.
https://i.imgur.com/eVyv46q.jpg
'He's very talented, there was never a doubt about this, and now it's
about having the right mentality and mindset to take this huge
opportunity. He will fight for his place and the others will hopefully
take on the fight to not let him take their place away. Then it depends
what formation we play, but a wing-back role suits him very good.'