César Azpilicueta Discusses Yamal, Dechamps, and Tuchel on Football

In a recent episode of BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily, former Chelsea and Spain captain César Azpilicueta sat down with host Steve Crossman to reflect on key moments from his career. The 30-minute interview, broadcast on 29 June 2026, covered Azpilicueta's experiences playing alongside a young Lamine Yamal, his time at Chelsea with Reece James and under manager Thomas Tuchel, and his formative years at Marseille working with Didier Dechamps.

Early Career Under Didier Dechamps

Azpilicueta began by discussing his time at Marseille, where he played under the tutelage of Didier Dechamps. The defender credited Dechamps with shaping his early professional development, noting the manager's demanding standards and tactical acumen. The segment, starting at the 05:21 mark, provided insight into how Dechamps' leadership influenced Azpilicueta's approach to the game.

Playing with Lamine Yamal

At 12:45, the conversation turned to Lamine Yamal, the young Spanish prodigy who has drawn comparisons to some of the game's greats. Azpilicueta shared his observations of Yamal's talent and maturity, having played alongside him during international duty. He emphasized Yamal's composure and skill, suggesting a bright future for the teenager.

Reece James and Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea

Later in the interview, Azpilicueta reflected on his time at Chelsea, particularly his partnership with Reece James (21:08) and his experience working under manager Thomas Tuchel (23:57). He praised James's versatility and defensive prowess, while also discussing Tuchel's meticulous preparation and man-management style that led to Champions League success.

The episode, available for over a year on BBC Sounds, offers fans a rare glimpse into the perspectives of one of football's most respected defenders. Azpilicueta's candid reflections provide valuable context on the development of young talents and the dynamics within top-tier clubs.