Thomas Tuchel has stated that Chelsea could in the future refrain from recruiting players who have not had the COVID-19 vaccine.
Due to immunization issues, N'Golo Kante and Ruben Loftus-Cheek were unable to go with the Blues on their American tour. Instead, they prepared for the upcoming season with the younger teams in London.
During a press conference prior to Chelsea's friendly matchup against Club America, Tuchel was asked if he would take a player's vaccination history into account when choosing potential transfer targets.
Tuchel replied, "Yes, it has to [be a factor]. "I had several players in mind who I would also take unvaccinated. Yes, it is currently a part of daily life, I must admit.
"Players cannot be coerced into receiving vaccinations. At this time, deciding to be vaccinated is fairly common. Both players decided against it. The regulations must be followed. They can't come with us. They are aware of the repercussions.
"It bothers us. Obviously not. Even though it is not the best option, we would love to have them here. Not at all ideal. However, once the situation is this dire, a solution must be found.
"The Under-23s use them for training. Then they switch to the Under-19s, but it won't make up for it. The experience [of playing with the first team] won't be the same."
Following an own goal by Reece James in the second half, Chelsea went on to defeat Club America 2-1. Timo Werner and Mason Mount scored in the second half on each side of the goal.
After the win, media questioned Tuchel about the acquisition of Kalidou Koulibaly, who on Saturday joined Chelsea from Napoli for a reported sum of £33.8 million (€40 million).
Tuchel stated of his new center-back, "He adds experience, quality, top defending, quality, height, everything we're looking for to play a back three or back four."
"We hope he can demonstrate his talent as quickly as possible because it's a wonderful deal and another brilliant signing for us. After arriving yesterday, he is already training outside, and we are delighted.
"He is familiar with several of the players because he plays with [Edouard Mendy] for the national team and knows [Jorginho] from Napoli, so I anticipate that he will quickly feel at home among the team. Everyone in the friendly group is glad that he is currently with us."
Tuchel believes Koulibaly, who is 31 years old and is entering the latter stages of his career, will have an impact similar to that of Thiago Silva, who joined the club two seasons ago at the age of 35.
The Blues head coach continued, "That's what we feel [that his greatest years are still to come] and that's what he is here for.
"He was an important player, therefore there were constantly rumors that he was leaving Napoli. However, obtaining him was always extremely challenging and ultimately unattainable.
"It's good that he accepts the challenge now because Thiago Silva, who is even older, more seasoned, and still at the top of his game, is also available.
"We hope Kalidou will be able to play for us for many years in the same way. He needs to be in top shape, thus he needs to be completely fit and prepared for the challenge."
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