Tuchel says he was a fan of the England international when he started playing professional football after he came through the ranks at Chelsea.
Loftus-Cheek was one of Chelsea’s brightest youngsters but could not secure a permanent place in the team due to injuries.
Now at the age of 25, Loftus-Cheek is currently on loan with Chelsea’s next opponent in the Premier League Fulham, and Tuchel was asked if the youngster has a future at Stamford Bridge when his loan spell with the Cottagers comes to an end in the summer.
“It is not decided yet,” the German coach said in his press conference ahead of Chelsea’s game against Scott Parker’s men on Saturday.
“I was quite a fan of him when he was even younger and he came though the academy and started playing professional football.
“He reminded me a little bit in his style of play and movement of Michael Ballack.
“There were some links about him moving to Germany – we were well aware of him. I don’t know why things didn’t work out but he’s doing well on loan now and leaving his footprint.
“I love to work with players but I need a direct impression and we don’t have that yet. I don’t know what his ideas are or what the club are thinking. We haven’t made a decision yet.”
Loftus-Cheek will be ineligible to face his parent club when Fulham play Chelsea in the London Derby.
