Chelsea has confirmed Thomas Tuchel’s appointment as their new manager, a few days after the sacking of club legend and manager, Frank Lampard.
Thomas Tuchel’s appointment has not come as a surprise to anyone, as already before now, the former Paris Saint-Germain coach was widely reported to be the favourite to land the toughest managerial job in world football, and was also rumoured to have agreed to a four-and-a-half-year deal with the English Premier League side before his unveiling on Tuesday night. But he has been given just an 18-months contract as Chelsea new Boss.
According to a club statement, Thomas Tuchel who has previously worked with some of Chelsea’s stars, will be the first German to manage Chelsea. He arrived the club having guided PSG to four major honours and the Champions League final during his time in the French capital.
Prior to that, he spent seven seasons coaching in the Bundesliga, first with Mainz, where he led them into the Europa League, and then a successful period with Borussia Dortmund where he won the German Cup.
At Chelsea, he will be reunited with Christian Pulisic and Thiago Silva who he coached during his spells in Dortmund and Paris respectively.
Tuchel, who has signed an 18-month contract with the possibility of an extension, said:
‘I would like to thank Chelsea FC for their confidence in me and my staff.
‘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!’
Director Marina Granovskaia added: ‘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. There is still much to play for and much to achieve, this season and beyond. We welcome Thomas to the Club.’
“Tuchel will take his first training session this evening and will be in the dugout for tomorrow’s Premier League game against Wolves”, the club said.