Thomas Tuchel appointed Chelsea manager
Chelsea has confirmed former Paris Saint-Germain manager Thomas Tuchel as its new boss, a day after Frank Lampard was let go by the Premier League club.
The German joins on a 18-month contract with the possibility of an extension.
“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,” said the club’s director Marina Granovskaia in a statement on Tuesday.
“There is still much to play for and much to achieve, this season and beyond. We welcome Thomas to the Club.”
Tuchel was sacked by PSG in December despite winning two Ligue 1 titles and after reaching the Champions League final in 2020.
Before his trophy-laden reign in France, Tuchel managed Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga where he won the German Cup in 2017.
READ: Chelsea sacks manager Frank Lampard
The 47-year-old is now tasked with reviving a team that looks short on both leadership and confidence.
Tuchel also faces the task of replacing fan favorite Lampard who rejoined Chelsea as head coach in July 2019, enjoying a successful first season with the London club.
The former England international was also backed in the 2020 summer transfer window, recruiting big-money signings including German internationals Kai Havertz and Timo Werner.
After a strong start to the season, Tuchel takes over with the club languishing ninth in the Premier League following a run of five defeats in the past eight league games.
“We all have the greatest respect for Frank Lampard’s work and the legacy he created at Chelsea,” Tuchel said in a statement.
“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!”
Tuchel will take training on Tuesday evening before leading his new team into Wednesday’s Premier League match against Wolves.
