Thomas wants legacy like gridiron ace Brady
GRIDIRON fan Thomas Tuchel aims to learn from legendary quarterback Tom Brady and build a dynasty at Chelsea.
Tuchel is set to sign a bumper new long-term contract with the club after masterminding their Champions League final win over Manchester City.
But, like seven-time Super Bowl champion Brady, he is not content with winning the biggest prize once.
Tuchel said: “It’s like a similar deal with Tom Brady when they ask him what is his favourite win and he says: ‘The next one.’
“So this is now the thing, we have a Premier League to play for from day one next season.
“We will be seen a bit differently as Champions League winners and this is where we have to step up.
“If we really want to build something then I’m all in, I can tell you.
We have to check with the owner this is his plan.
“I think it’s possible because the foundation is strong. The belief, the determination of the club and the players – the group here is strong.
“We have a group with a strong bond, a genuine belief and a fantastic work ethic. The challenge now is to keep them hungry.”
Chelsea had heroes all over the pitch in Porto. Mason Mount (inset) ran the show in midfield, setting up the winner for Kai Havertz.
Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen both denied City certain goals with last-ditch blocks.
Ben Chilwell and Reece James if
KAI AND MIGHTY: Havertz beats Ederson to fire home Chelsea’s winner kept City’s wingers largely in their pockets and, as usual, N’golo Kante was everywhere.
But Tuchel wants more and is already targeting “two or three” new signings, including a striker. He said: “I want the next success, the next title – I demand to be a part of it.
“The level is set. It’s a moment to grow. Now is a big challenge to stay hungry and go for the next one.
“We will speak with the owner. I can assure him I will stay hungry.
“I want to go for more titles, to push the limit from the start of next season.”
That is music to the ears of skipper Cesar Azpilicueta, who reckons Tuchel has united a fractured dressing room during his four months in charge.
He said: “A few months ago a lot of people doubted the quality of the team. But we created a special bond and we did it.”
Saturday’s game was only Tuchel’s 30th match as Chelsea boss, but he has worked wonders to heal the divisions in the squad – bringing disgruntled players like Rudiger in from the cold.
He has also found a way to get record buy Havertz in the team after his early struggles, and the youngster rewarded him with the biggest goal his of his career. England star Mount, who showed on Saturday that he is in the form of his life, said: “At this moment in time we are the best team in the world. You can’t take that away from us.”