Thomas Tuchel didn’t offer Ralf Rangnick much support before their meeting this evening as Chelsea and Manchester United managers respectively.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Tuchel presented very few words of encouragement to his fellow German coach following a tough stint in the Old Trafford dugout.
Manchester United’s misery could benefit Chelsea
The pair will come to blows tonight in Manchester, both probably wishing away the Premier League season for very different reasons.
Chelsea would happily conclude the campaign now, with their Champions League qualification not yet mathematically assured.
Victory against West Ham United last weekend certainly improved the chances of the reigning holders.
Defeat the Red Devils and the players wearing blue can start to think about their summer holiday plans.
Rangnick on the other hand surely can’t wait to see the back of 2021/22.
After taking over from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at the end of November, the 63-year-old had quite a lot on his plate to contend with.
At the time of his arrival, the team were seventh in the Premier League, out of the Carabao Cup, but still had eyes on FA Cup and European silverware.
An admirable start quickly faded into disappointment.
Tuchel tells Rangnick how it is
United dropped out of the FA Cup in the fourth round at home, losing on penalties against Middlesbrough.
Their Champions League journey ended early as well, with Atletico Madrid heading through thanks to a 2-1 aggregate score.
“Yeah, but not too much! He is the coach of Manchester United!” answered Tuchel when asked if felt sympathetic towards Rangnick’s situation.
“Maybe it doesn’t work out at the moment in terms of points and how it wished for it and maybe he how he deserves.
“But I don’t feel sorry because it is a huge job, it’s a huge club and he is in this position.
“I think it was a life-long dream for him to work in the Premier League and work for one of the biggest clubs in the world.
“It’s more of an upside than a downside.”
Ralf in ruins
To make matters worse, Rangnick’s side might not even get a chance of continental redemption next term.
They are currently eight points below the top four, having lost their last two against Liverpool and Arsenal.
Failure to get anything out of Chelsea and Erik ten Haag will potentially only have domestic football to focus on when he takeovers the job completely.
And what a mission the Ajax boss has waiting for him at the Theatre of Dream.
United will be hoping he can have the same instant impact Tuchel enjoyed when he stepped foot in Stamford Bridge over 12 months ago.
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