Thomas Tuchel has been announced as the new Chelsea manager following the sacking of Frank Lampard. The 47-year-old has been without a club since his departure from Paris Saint-Germain in December.
The German took charge of his first Chelsea game against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday evening, ending goalless at Stamford Bridge.
Will Thomas Tuchel Be a Success at Chelsea?
A New Challenge
The prospect of becoming Chelsea manager is a daunting one. With the team sat in ninth upon his arrival, there is a lot of work to be done. However, it is a challenge Tuchel is happy to take on. After success with both Borussia Dortmund and most recently PSG, Tuchel is turning his hand to the Premier League.
Although being sacked just last month, Tuchel boasted an impressive record at PSG, with a win percentage of 75.6 per cent – the best in Ligue 1 history. If you compare that to Lampard’s win percentage of just 52.4 per cent, it is a clear improvement. However, with the Premier League being one of the most competitive leagues in the world, there is no guarantee of success for Tuchel at Chelsea
Tuchel is adopting a team out of form, but still with a great, talented and young core that is capable of success. After reaching the final of the Champions League last year, Tuchel will bring European experience, something his predecessor lacked.
Getting the Best Out of His Squad
Chelsea spent almost £220 million on players in the summer, bringing in the likes of Kai Havertz, Timo Werner and Ben Chilwell. Although some of the summer signings have fitted in well, Havertz and Werner have struggled to find consistent form. It is hoped that Tuchel will aid in the improvement of performances and help the two find form.
Tuchel tried to sign both Jorginho and Antonio Rudiger while at PSG, so they could be given a new lease of life at the club. He has also already managed Thiago Silva and Christian Pulisic, making for an interesting reunion at the London club.
Tuchel is known for his emphasis on modern tactical principles and ideologies. His teams in the past have attacked fluidly with the ball and pressed ferociously without it. He prefers either a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-3-3 formation, similar to what Lampard had used in his tenure as manager. However, Tuchel’s teams are much more fluid in attack, with the four forwards given freedom to move and play where they choose, while the midfield two stay deep, giving structure and shape to the team should they lose possession.
An Experienced Coach
Although there has been some criticism to the appointment of Tuchel, it makes sense to change from a managerial novice in Lampard, to a proven coach in Tuchel. Tuchel himself understands the importance of experience in the managerial role.
A lack of an obvious game-plan and tactics was a major criticism of Lampard. His Chelsea team at times lacked an identity, with the formation and personnel often chopping and changing from week to week. This will not be the case under Tuchel, a manager with vast experience, who knows how he wants his team to play.
No Time to Waste
Tuchel will have very little time to get settled into West London. A goalless draw in his first game in charge against Wolves certainly wasn’t the exciting start to his tenure many would have expected, but that first game is now out of the way.
Chelsea have games against the likes of Southampton, Atletico Madrid, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United all within the next month. It will be a crucible of fire for Tuchel at Chelsea. The next six weeks are make or break for the blues. Tuchel is seen as the man for the job to take the team forward.
A Poisoned Chalice?
The position of Chelsea manager is one of great pressure and wields great expectation. Since Roman Abramovich took over the club in 2003, Chelsea have had 13 managers. The pressure that Tuchel will be under to get results will be huge. If an immediate performance improvement is not evident, Tuchel could be moved on swiftly.
If Tuchel is not seen as the man to rebuild this Chelsea team long-term, then what is it Abramovich wants from the managers of his club? Chelsea spent years chopping and changing mangers, but the signing of Lampard led people to believe the club wanted to build a long-term project. However, the sacking of Lampard and the appointment of Tuchel sends a message that perhaps Chelsea are going back to their old ways. Only time will tell.
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