Chelsea appoint Thomas Tuchel as new manager on 18-month deal

Stefan Bienkowski

• Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
• 2 min read

Chelsea have confirmed that Thomas Tuchel will replace Frank Lampard as the Premier League club’s new manager. 

The German coach will take over an expensively assembled side, which will still garner ambitions of challenging for major titles domestically and in Europe. 

The club announced on Tuesday that Tuchel has signed an 18-month contract, following the departure of his predecessor. He will be in charge of the first team for Wednesday’s clash with Wolves.

“I would like to thank Chelsea FC for their confidence in me and my staff,” he said.

“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!”

Lampard found himself under increasing pressure following a dismal league campaign that was characterised by the former player’s inability to get consistent performances out of Chelsea’s key signings in the summer transfer window. 

Tuchel, who was head coach at Paris Saint-Germain until late December, is thought to have been an ideal candidate because he was available immediately but also has extensive knowledge with German-based players. 

Born and raised in Germany, Tuchel began his coaching career in German football with successful stints at Mainz and Borussia Dortmund before he made the move to PSG. 

As such, the new Chelsea manager will be expected to get the very best out of summer signings Timo Werner and Kai Havertz, who joined the London club in the summer from RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen respectively for a combined £120 million. 

Director Marina Granovskaia said: “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.”

Chelsea presently lie ninth in the Premier League.