Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has spoken out amid fan complaints and a constant conversation surrounding Rangers-linked Norwich loanee Billy Gilmour.
The former Ibrox Academy youngster was once again left on the bench as Norwich fell to a 2-1 defeat to Leeds United over the weekend and the Scotland international hasn’t been seen since the 3-0 League Cup defeat to Liverpool in September.
It’s had Chelsea fans and the English sports media questioning whether or not Billy Gilmour should be recalled in January with Norwich boss Daniel Farke previously insisting he was not in his job “to please” the likes of Chelsea [Metro].
As the conversation over Billy’s immediate future continues, Tuchel has revealed he’d talked to both Daniel Farke and Gilmour about the situation and insists a decision won’t be made until January.
The ex-Dortmund and PSG coach also fired a major warning in Billy’s direction to come through this difficult spell with the Canaries.
“We will take the decision in January when a decision has to be made and not now,” said Tuchel [Metro].
“In general, I spoke with Daniel [Farke] about it and was happy to meet Billy around the match at Stamford Bridge.
“The things were clear when we decided together that he is looking for more minutes and more game time at another club, the challenge was clear, that he needs to fight his way through and this is where he is right now.
“Things are not going as he maybe wishes for, or as we all wish for, but it’s not the moment now to give solutions and cancel the whole project.
“Things are not going as he maybe wishes for, or as we all wish for, but it’s not the moment now to give solutions and cancel the whole project.
“Sometimes these weeks and months arrive where the situation seems to be stuck or it seems to not go the right way, you have to hang in there, you have to show your quality and you have to make sure you help your team no matter where it is.
“That sharpens your character and that will be a big chapter in your career and it’s the same for Billy.
“For me right now not the moment to already give solutions for January and open the talks to bring him back.
“Now is the start of November and there are still months to go and still a lot of time to prove that he has enough quality to help Norwich be a better team.”
It’s clear that Chelsea are putting the onus on Billy to impress at Carrow Road but if things continue as they are, they’re open to a new solution in the winter window.
Chelsea midfielder Gilmour subject to near-constant Rangers speculation
Back in the summer, Gilmour was amongst the most hotly-sought after loan options in the Premier League and of course Rangers were heavily linked [Metro].
According to reports at the time, Chelsea opted for Norwich due to a close relationship between Farke and Tuchel and also the opportunity for Billy to play in the Premier League.
But as things have not gone quite to plan for the newly-promoted side, the conversation surrounding Rangers has continued in the press.
Ex-Celtic star Kris Commons penned a column suggesting the player could move to Ibrox in January and suggested Steven Gerrard could pass on some wisdom to the midfielder [Daily Mail].
Rangers legend Barry Ferguson then added fuel to the fire by saying “I don’t see why not” when asked if the 20-year-old could join the Gers.
Ferguson also told the GO Radio Football Show that he’s “sure Rangers would be interested” and called Gilmour’s situation “worrying”.
Rangers are always going to be linked to Gilmour in the press and the comments of Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel will do little to quash the interest of supporters in Billy’s situation.
But between now and January it’s clear that the Blues are expecting Gilmour to stand up and be counted before any decision will be taken on his future.
Meanwhile, Rangers fans have hijacked a Europa League poll as they spread some serious propaganda surrounding an emerging Ibrox talent.
