Roman Abramovich felt ‘lukewarm’ towards Thomas Tuchel as Chelsea manager despite issuing him as Frank Lampard’s replacement according to James Olley.
The ESPN senior writer wrote that Chelsea’s owner was not entirely sold on the new appointment but was mainly persuaded by ‘his (Tuchel) ability to work with the existing squad’.
The main crux of this argument comes down to Tuchel being able to speak the native and footballing language of Timo Werner and Kai Havertz, two of the clubs most underwhelming players.
Lampard was discharged from his duties on Monday after the club lost patience with poor performances and were displeased by off field predicaments.
Tuchel’s takeover has not been officially confirmed but Chelsea will want to get the former Paris St Germain coach into Cobham before the next league fixture.
Olley suggested that some of Abramovich’s advisers desired Lampard to stay until the end of the season, however his decision was made final after Chelsea’s 3-1 FA Cup over Luton Town.
Tuchel apparently altered his own stance over taking the job. Having originally not wanted it until the summer, he took a u-turn and Chelsea opted to pounce.
Abramovich’s lack of massive enthusiasm was highlighted by the Athletic as they claimed Chelsea approached Ralf Rangnick and Julian Nagelsmann before they came to Tuchel.
His first game in charge comes on Wednesday evening against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Stamford Bridge. This should act as the curtain raiser for a fresh German era that the Blues are entering into.
Tuchel won’t have long at all with his newly acquired squad before opening night however the board will expect instant improvement considering the manner of his arrival.
Chelsea are currently eighth in the Premier League but could slip even further down the table if results elsewhere don’t go their way.
The Chelsea Chronicle View
I can understand Abramovich’s scepticism surrounding Tuchel. He is not yet tried and tested in England and his track record is not outstanding.
You can sense that he really wanted Nagelsmann because he’s the new kid on the block with all the extravagant ideas (and dress sense to match).
All we can do now is get behind the man they did decide on and cross our fingers (and toes) he can pull this job off.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
