Chelsea appoint ‘grateful’ Tuchel as new manager

CHELSEA have confirmed Thomas Tuchel as the replacement for their sacked manager Frank Lampard.

The German was announced on Tuesday evening as the successor to 42-year-old Lampard who was fired on Monday.

“Thomas Tuchel has been appointed as the new Chelsea Head Coach. He moves to Stamford Bridge following a two-and-a-half year spell at French champions Paris Saint-Germain, which came to an end last month,” Chelsea said in an official statement on Tuesday evening.

“He will be the first German to manage Chelsea and arrives having guided PSG to four major honours and the Champions League final during his time in the French capital.”

Tuchel, 47, started his coaching career in Germany with Mainz and later moved to Borussia Dortmund who he led to German Cup success.

He led PSG to their first ever UEFA Champions League final last season but they lost to Bayern Munich.

He has previously worked with two Chelsea stars: Christian Pulisic at Dortmund and Thiago Silva at PSG.

Tuchel has signed an 18-month contract with the possibility of an extension, Chelsea stated.

“I would like to thank Chelsea FC for their confidence in me and my staff,” Tuchel told the Chelsea website.

“We all have the greatest respect for Frank Lampard’s work and the legacy he created at Chelsea. At the same time, I cannot wait to meet my new team and compete in the most exciting league in football. I am grateful to now be part of the Chelsea family – it feels amazing!”

Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia added: “It is never easy to change Head Coach in the middle of the season but we are very happy to secure one of Europe’s best coaches in Thomas Tuchel. 

“There is still much to play for and much to achieve, this season and beyond. We welcome Thomas to the Club.”

Tuchel will take his first training session on Tuesday night and will be in charge for Wednesday’s Premier League clash against Wolves.