How Ralf rescued Tuchel from a life crunching numbers
THOMAS TUCHEL would have been lost to the dreary world of economics but for the intervention of Ralf Rangnick.
Rangnick, an inspirational figure in the rise of the modern German super-coach, is about to take over as Manchester United boss for the rest of the season.
And ahead of the Red Devils’ trip to his in-form Premier League leaders this afternoon, Chelsea boss Tuchel admitted his compatriot spared him a number-cruncher’s life by persuading him into coaching.
After a career-ending injury in 1998, while playing under Rangnick at Ulm 1864, fed-up Tuchel abandoned football aged only 24 to study economics.
However, his former boss stepped in, got him working with the juniors at VFB Stuttgart and the rest is history.
Asked what might have been but for that slidingdoors moment, Tuchel (right, with Rangnick), conceded: “I have no idea. You never know. Nobody can know.
“I felt all over in football after my diagnosis. I was not depressed, I was angry. I felt betrayed by the situation.
“I didn’t know what to do so I studied economics at university and worked in a bar.
“Then Ralf asked if I could imagine trying in the academy. I did four months as a second assistant.
“From there I did my licences. That’s so much easier in football than in economics, which is just a decision from the brain, not from your heart.
“Ralf had his role. He opened the door. Then you have to go through and make the very best of opportunities.
“That’s what I did because I had people like him who supported me and many more.
That’s why I’m a lucky, blessed person and grateful for where I am now.”
The Chelsea fans are equally pleased to have the former Paris Saint-germain and Borussia Dortmund chief at the Stamford Bridge wheel.
After last week’s brilliant four-goal home hammering of Juventus, Tuchel’s Champions League holders are arguably in better shape than at any point in his 11-month reign, which is saying something.
Not that it has all been plain sailing, of course. Tuchel says there was plenty of soulsearching when Chelsea lost two games in a row to Manchester City and Juventus in September.
They are unbeaten in 10 since, winning eight of them.
The Blues chief added: “It’s not about being super-angry or blaming somebody but it was the moment to turn every stone.
“This is what we did – I remember this – for the next days in the coaching office.
“This is also what defeats are for. We hate to lose but sometimes it happens. It’s never easy, it hurts always. It hurts me every single time, make no mistake.”
United have suffered plenty of misery of late, which is why caretaker boss Michael Carrick is in the dug-out this afternoon following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sacking.
Has Tuchel, 48, got some Premier League tips for his one-time mentor Rangnick? Forget it!
Tuchel said: “Oh no, no, no. I don’t give advice to anybody.
“Everybody is good enough and old enough to follow and fulfil their dreams.”