London: Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel claims that the vacancy at the London club after the departure of Frank Lampard had incurred questions in him. “I actually said to the board, ‘Are you sure of doing this? Because they (fans) will not like you. Maybe he (Lampard) deserves more time’,” Tuchel told Sky Sports News.
Chelsea had an outstanding redemption arc under Tuchel after he succeeded club legend, Lampard. Previously, Lampard, had the most extravagant transfer window signing a wide array of talented players like Timo Werner, Kai Havertz and Thiago Silva. Even with a squad like that the Blues were struggling to get hold of the top four spot in the Premier League.
The arrival of Tuchel changed things like nothing. His tactics boosted the performance of the team, the players who were termed ‘finished’ became the most important ones as the Blues not only claimed the top four PL spot, but went on to become the Champions League.
They also won the UEFA Super Cup and also started their Premier League 2021-22 campaign with two consecutive comfortable wins. As the praises for Tuchel kept on, the German revealed how he had questioned his appointment.
“When I think of Chelsea I think about Frank Lampard, John Terry, Petr Cech, Didier Drogba. I think about (Lampard) in the very first moment because he embodies everything that Chelsea is,” the former PSG added.
“(It’s) hard work; (an) aggressive player, (a) big leader, but at the same time a normal guy on the pitch and such a team player. (He’s) a true, true legend. But I understood the choice was more or less made and it was take it or leave it. I hoped for a fair chance with the players because when you step in, not everybody (is) happy.”
When asked about how his recent silverwares attaracted expectations from the fans and the pundits, Tuchel stated he was aware of the pressure beforehand. He further assured that his men are really high-spirited and would do their best, although he thinks they might not get their hands at the Premier League trophy.
“We raised the bar,” he added. “It creates expectations, it creates demands, but I hope we don’t get affected by it too much from outside. I know what I demand from myself, which is always the highest level. I know what the team can produce – they are really ambitious, really competitive
“I think we need to be honest, to accept that we were fourth last season, so we have to close the gap to Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City. After a big success, you have to start from scratch. This is what top-level sports is all about and this is what we love it for,” he added.
Chelsea will be facing Liverpool in the upcoming weekend at Anfield, as they would look forward to bring home a very difficult three points to lead the table.
