Thomas Tuchel – More than what meets the eye

By
Triyasha Chatterjee
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London: Ever since Thomas Tuchel took over the Chelsea reins from Frank Lampard, the Blues’ graph has gone up and onwards. From winning the Champions League, that too defeating mighty Manchester City in the finals, to clinching the UEFA Super Cup, the former PSG boss has brought hope in the supporters, that was missing off late.

At the time when Lampard left, Chelsea were in shambles even after having a magnificent transfer window, signing talents like Kai Havertz, Timo Werner and Thiago Silva. Tuchel brought a great change in the attitude of the players as they went from mid-season struggles to the top of Europe and eventually finishing within the Premier League top four last season.

Tuchel’s credits were not just in the silverwares, but mostly about his reception in the dressing room. The German showed immense faith on his players. From heavily criticised Werner to home product Mason Mount, Tuchel provided all his players with equal chances to flourish.

His initiatives in making the squad fortify were evidently noticeable and earned the respect of many, including former club forward Tony Cascarino. “(Tuchel’s) a great fit for Chelsea,” Cascarino told talkSPORT. “I think tactically you wouldn’t look any better than him in the Premier League.”

The Irishman admitted that he thought that the careers of Marcus Alonso and Ceaser Azpilicueta were coming to an end, but stated admitted Tuchel gave them a brilliant turnaround as they became the vital part of his plans.

“I think other managers have different qualities but he tactically is extraordinary,” Cascarino added. “The way he maneuvers his team, he meddles with his team slightly, but clearly improves players. (Christian) Pulisic played center-forward yesterday, scored a goal and caused havoc.”

“Alonso wasn’t seemingly wanted anymore at Chelsea. Ends up being a player for them and was offered as being part of the Lukaku deal, and they’ve kept him,” said the former Irish striker. “I’ve seen him play so well for Chelsea and I thought he was finished at the football club.”

“I thought Azpilicueta was finished at the football club and he played wing-back yesterday. Chelsea are a really good side.” Chelsea started their Premier League campaign with a thumping 3-0 win over Crystal Palace with Alonso, Pulisic and new signing Trevor Chalobah registering themselves on the scoresheet.

The recent exploits by Chelsea have already put them as one of the title contenders in the Premier League, but the Chelsea boss thinks otherwise. In an interview with Sky Sports,  Tuchel said that Chelsea would make a top-four finish at most although he and his men would give their best efforts.

“To be totally honest, I see us as the number four, that cannot be the favourite in the next year,” he said. “They have to close the gap to three, two and one. We said during the campaign in the last half-year we set the bar high and look to close gaps during 90 minutes, and that’s what we’ll try to continue.”

“This is the Premier League, a tough competition. It’s on us (Chelsea), we are in this role and in the role of the hunters, we have to close the gap to Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United,” the German manager added.

However, the work Tuchel has been doing with Chelsea is worthy of all the praises. His relationship with his players is really great and it’s quite reflecting on their performances. The biggest example being Spanish goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, who had been sidelined for a long time.

Arrizabalaga returned Tuchel’s faith in him during the penalty shootout in the Super Cup to make two crucial saves that saw Chelsea win their second silverware under the new manager. Meanwhile, it was under Tuchel Belgian Romelu Lukaku is making a comeback at Stamford Bridge.

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