Tuchel charged with reviving Chelsea’s fortunes
LONDON: Thomas Tuchel became the latest manager to take over the Chelsea hot seat when the Premier League club yesterday confirmed the German as Frank Lampard’s replacement. The former Borussia Dortmund and Paris St Germain coach has agreed an 18month contract with the option of another year.
Lampard, Chelsea’s record goalscorer, was sacked on Tuesday after 18 months in charge following a run of five defeats in its last Premier League games.
The 42yearold is held in great affection by fans and was praised for handing eight academy graduates firstteam debut since arriving in July 2019.
But he lacked managerial experience, having spent just one
eight
aseason at secondtier Derby County before answering the call to return to Stamford Bridge and replace Maurizio Sarri.
Tuchel (47) has an impressive managerial CV, albeit mainly with PSG.
He delivered backtoback French league titles and took PSG to last season’s Champions League final but was sacked and replaced by Mauricio Pochettino in December.
‘‘It is never easy to change head coach in the middle of the season but we are very happy to secure one of Europe’s best coaches in Thomas Tuchel,’’ Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia said.
‘‘There is still much to play for and much to achieve, this season and beyond.’’
Chelsea is 10th in the Premier League.
Tuchel, Chelsea’s first German coach, built a reputation as a forwardthinking tactician operating on a small budget after taking over from Juergen Klopp at Mainz, which he guided to a fifthplace Bundesliga finish in 201011.
When Klopp left Dortmund at the end of the 201415 campaign, Tuchel again replaced him and won his first managerial silverware by leading the club to German Cup success in 2017.
He joined PSG in 2018, replacing Unai Emery.
Tuchel is the 14th managerial appointment made by Chelsea since Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich bought the west London outfit in 2003. — Reuters