Chelsea and Thomas Tuchel have reached an agreement for the former Paris St-German head coach to take over as London side head coach on an 18-month deal. The 47-year-old signed a contract 28 days after leaving the Parisian club.
“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!”
- During his two-and-a-half spell at Parc des Princes, Tuchel won two league titles, two French Supercups and one French cup.
- The German became the first manager ever to guide PSG to the Champions League final.
- The poor start of the 2020-21 season reportedly made PSG board to part ways with Tuchel.
With five defeats in the last nine games, Chelsea are now ninth in the Premier League table. Tuchel will replace Frank Lampard, who was fired on Monday after 19 months in charge. The decision was announced less than 24 hours after the 3-1 win over Luton Town in the FA Cup fourth round.
The Rangers head coach Steven Gerrard – and Lampard’s ex-England international teammate – wasn’t surprised by Roman Abramovich’s decision:
“Obviously I’m gutted for Frank, he’s an ex-team-mate of mine, someone I respect greatly. “But knowing the guy, he will be back in no time.
I did think it was an opportunity for Chelsea to really reach out and support him during this tough period rather than do what they have done. But Chelsea have got history for that so it was no surprise.”
This evening, Tuchel will take his first training session at the Blues. Wednesday’s Premier League encounter against Wolverhampton will become a debut one for him at his new job.
- Tuchel became Chelsea’s 13th coach since Abramovich took over the club back in 2003.
- Ex-PSG defender Thiago Silva joined the London club in August. The 36-year-old made 18 appearances across all competitions this season.
- On February 17th and March 11th, Chelsea will face Atletico Madrid in the UCL round of 16.
