SHENZHEN: Borussia Dortmund boss Thomas Tuchel takes a philosophical approach when it comes to dealing with the distraction of off-season transfer speculation that keeps swirling around his club.
“I can’t predict the future,” shrugged the German, on the eve of his clash Thursday with Manchester City at the Shenzhen Universiade Stadium.
The two European heavyweights might be in China, half a world away from where they usually ply their trade, but that has not stopped the transfer rumour mill from grinding away back home.
Reports stemming from Europe of a host of players coming in and out of both clubs have been mostly dismissed by officials, who are trying instead to focus players’ attention on preparations ahead of domestic seasons that kick off next month.
Tuchel was responding to reports from Germany — which have been denied — that Dortmund’s 27-year-old Gambonese star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang might soon be on his way out. Media have suggested he could be heading to Manchester City or Real Madrid.
“Right now he is our player, he stays our player,” said Tuchel. “He is a huge personality for us.”
