TUCHEL’S INNER CIRCLE REVEALED

NEW Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has an inner circle of those he trusts featuring these eight people.

The German boss, who has enjoyed success at Mainz, Borussia Dortmund and most recently PSG, joined the Blues on an 18-month deal on Tuesday to replace Frank Lampard, who was ruthlessly sacked by Roman Abramovich.

It is likely that he consulted wife Sissi, who is a huge influence on his career choices before deciding to move to the Premier League.

And he will bring with him a backroom staff likely to consist of these key members — from a trusted assistant to a video analyst and strict fitness coach.

Here’s who helps Tuchel, 47, build winning football teams.

SISSI TUCHEL, WIFE

Although she’s not involved in footballing decisions, Sissi Tuchel is said to be a huge support to her husband of 11 years.

It is believed she has a big say on his career choices, where he chooses to manage and acts as a sounding board for him, when the chips are down.

When it came to his dismissal at Dortmund in 2017, Sissi reportedly visited Paris the summer before to seek a home for them to live in with their two daughters ahead of his appointment at PSG.

Tuchel and Sissi are rarely seen in public together, preferring to shun the limelight.

No doubt she has already looked into a life in London for the family.

ARNO MICHELS, ASSISTANT

Since their days at Mainz, Tuchel has worked exclusively with Michels as his assistant manager.

“He is a diligent, hardworking and loyal trainer whose character traits suit me perfectly,” the gaffer has said of his trusted coach.

They met when they were learning their coaching badges and Tuchel was adamant Michels would be his assistant, wherever he went, including at Borussia Dortmund and PSG.

Tuchel and Michels share the same football philosophy — incisive, quick attacking play — and implement their style onto their players.

OLAF MEINKING, AGENT

There’s no business like show business for Meinking, Tuchel’s agent.

For Meinking’s talents are more served in representing a stable of German actors and singers.

His roster of clients isn’t filled with names from the footballing world.

And that’s because Tuchel prefers it that way. “Football agents always have other interests. I wanted to avoid it from the start, ”he once said.

BENJAMIN WEBER, VIDEO

ANALYST

Video analysts are crucial to Tuchel’s preparations.

And like Michels, Benjamin Weber has been with Tuchel since his days at Mainz.

Weber was quick to implement changes at PSG, the moment he arrived.

On his advice, cameras were installed at the Camp des Loges to record training sessions.

Expect Big Brother to be watching in Cobham too.

ZOUMANA CAMARA, SET-PIECE SPECIALIST

As is in the modern game, set-piece specialists have become key additions to any forward thinking coaching set-up.

Chelsea already have Anthony Barry in that role, who was credited with tightening their defence and making the team a bigger threat from corners and free-kicks.

But should Tuchel want to bring in his own man — Zoumana Camara could be set for the role.

Camara was assistant to both Laurent Blanc and Unai Emery, but Tuchel put his expertise to use to prepare for set pieces — offensively and defensively.

PHILIPP SCHELB, SPECIAL ADVISER Mr Discreet, as he has been christened, Schelb is always by Tuchel’s side.

Munich-born, he deals with the logistical side of a footballing operation.

From transport to hospitality, he works carefully to ensure the team are looked after.

Interestingly, Schelb attends ALL post-match press conferences.

RAINER SCHREY, FITNESS COACH

Described as a mastermind of physical preparation, Schrey has worked with Tuchel since 2011.

An author of health and fitness books, Schrey is said to be a disciplinarian when it comes to his training methods.

He doesn’t suffer fools, and also preaches that nutrition is key when it comes to high-performance in athletes.

Before games, Schrey will put his team through their paces with stretches and drills in the warm-up.

ZSOST LOW, COACH

Low was a recent addition to Tuchel’s coaching team.

The Hungarian came to PSG after impressing as assistant coach at RB Leipzig.

Tuchel had already known Low, though. He coached him as a player at Mainz and was well aware of his potential to become a trainer. — Sun.