Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has opened up on his experience under England manager Thomas Tuchel, describing the former Chelsea boss as demanding and intense in his approach on the training ground.
Saka, who is of Nigerian heritage, addressed the media ahead of England’s upcoming international friendly against Senegal on Tuesday.
The 23-year-old winger is expected to start after sitting out the earlier fixture against Andorra as a precaution following a minor injury concern.
“I love coming to England camps and playing for England,” Saka said. “It has been a bit of a frustrating year with injuries but I am here now and looking forward to tomorrow.”
The Arsenal forward confirmed he picked up a slight strain at the end of the domestic season but praised the England set-up for handling his recovery sensibly.
“After the last game of the season I had a little strain. Fair play to England, they managed me well. The manager left me out and said I will play tomorrow.”
When asked about the differences between current manager Thomas Tuchel and his predecessor Gareth Southgate, Saka avoided direct comparisons but offered insight into Tuchel’s methods.
“I don’t really like to compare, if I’m honest. One person’s qualities is always going to be overshadowed,” he said. “So if I just speak about Thomas himself, since I have come into the camp he has been quite demanding, quite intense on the pitch and off the pitch he’s been more relaxed.”
Saka added: “He’s a nice guy, he let us enjoy ourselves and created a nice environment for all the players to enjoy.”
England will face Senegal as part of their build-up to upcoming competitive fixtures, with Tuchel continuing to assess his options ahead of a new campaign in charge.
