Tuchel straight to work after taking over Chelsea reins

Thomas Tuchel has been confirmed as Chelsea’s new manager.

The German boss has replaced Frank Lampard at Stamford Bridge, becoming the 15th manager of owner Roman Abramovich’s tenure.

Former Chelsea and England midfielder Lampard was sacked on Monday, with the Blues ninth in the Premier League after five defeats in their last eight league matches.

Tuchel has signed an initial 18-month contract at Chelsea, and will get to work immediately.

Former Paris St Germain manager Tuchel took his first training session last night, before taking charge of today’s home league clash with Wolves.

“I would like to thank Chelsea for their confidence in me and my staff,” Tuchel told the official club website.

“We all have the greatest respect for Frank Lampard’s work and the legacy he created at Chelsea.

“At the same time

I cannot wait to meet my new team and compete in the most exciting league in football.

“I am grateful to now be part of the Chelsea family – it feels amazing!”

Tuchel led PSG to the 2020 Champions League final, but was sacked by the French giants in December.

The 47-year-old former Borussia Dortmund boss will now be expected to revive Chelsea’s faltering campaign, unify a split dressing room and seal a top-four finish to secure Champions League qualification.

Chelsea’s board were understood to have grown weary of perceived muddled thinking in Lampard’s changeable tactics, with the 42-yearold paying the price for failing to integrate the summer’s £220 milionworth of new signings.

Chelsea owner Abramovich is understood to believe Tuchel’s experience in managing major egos like Neymar and Kylian Mbappe will allow him to hit the ground running.

Thomas Tuchel: Initial 18-month deal.