By Nathaniel Kay

Tuchel targets trophy double that has only been achieved once at Chelsea

Thomas Tuchel admitted that Chelsea will need to focus on winning the Champions League and FA Cup instead of the Premier League.

During his first press conference as Chelsea manager broadcast live on the club’s YouTube Channel, Tuchel was asked what he would deem a successful reign at Stamford Bridge.

“The club make it very clear, in the end Chelsea is about results,” he admitted.

“I’m very realistic. I’m at a club whose DNA is to win and go for trophies. I am here to challenge every trophy we are playing for.”

Chelsea failed to claim any trophies during Frank Lampard’s first full campaign in charge. They came closest through the FA Cup but were defeated finalist by Arsenal.

Now it is the turn of Tuchel to try regain a handle on any item of silverware. However, the German immediately ruled out one major asset that the Blues haven’t won in four years.  

“Realistically this year is the Champions League and FA Cup. To speak now about the Premier League title there are too many teams between us.

“This would not be realistic. We will just lose the focus if we start here.”

11 points and seven places separate ninth-placed Chelsea and Manchester City in pole position. It was only back in early December when the Blues were celebrating going top after victory over Leeds United.

Tuchel turned down any improbable challenges for Liverpool’s crown and instead diverted his attention to the European and domestic cups.

Only one Chelsea coach has ever previously lifted the Champions League and FA Cup in the same season.

Robert Di Matteo engineered an improbable double in 2012 as interim-manager after taking over from Andreas Villas-Boas part-way through the term.

The Blues are still in both competitions, facing Barnsley next month and Atletico Madrid on the continental stage.

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Tuchel’s timeline has many similarities to that of Di Matteo’s.

Both joined Chelsea rather abruptly, neither have/ had a chance of league glory but do/ did have a shot at the Champions League and FA Cup.

Could we be seeing a repeat of that night in Munich? I’d love to think so.

Nathaniel Kay

"Nathaniel is a football journalist who graduated from the University of Derby. He worked at Burton Albion as part of their media team for two years. Nathaniel produced regular articles for the club’s official website and match-day programme. He covered the 2018 U20 Women’s World Cup in Brittany and has reported from grounds ranging from non-league up to the Premier League. Nathaniel is a full-time writer for the Chelsea Chronicle, and was formerly their social media man. His footballing career reached the sparkling heights of winning the Under-13s Bloxham Tournament in 2011."