Thomas Tuchel has been in charge at Chelsea for just one training session and one match at the time of writing, but he is already having a positive affect on Blues fans.
This article is not to slate or praise, or even talk about Frank Lampard; because he is a legend and will always have my respect and thanks for what he has collectively done at this club.
Pragmatic, flexible, and nurturing Thomas Tuchel – Fresh out of the Ralf Rangnick school of hard knocks – Read my manager profile on Tuchel HERE!
But all we can do now is move forward with what we have got, and what we have got actually looks very promising from the early signs.
Here are 5 important things I have noticed even at these early stages…
Energy
He LOVES football – his passion, energy and animations on the side lines and in interviews is clear to see already and I personally love that. It shows he cares a lot about the sport, the club he is at, the players he has, and winning games.
But his passion is not aimless, he was seen barking out clear instructions to various players throughout the game against Wolves last night, and even called a number of them over during stoppages to give them further instructions. He was also ‘going up for headers’ at the back post at one point, that is great to see!
Clear identity already
Yes the game last night wasn’t overly thrilling, but even after just one training session you can see the identity that Tuchel is looking to incorporate. Whilst last night it was just a lot of possession with no end product and sometimes the players were guilty of not being progressive, but once Tuchel has his football in full swing I believe we will see the progressive quick possession-based football but with intent.
Last night was just a small indication of it coming soon and there were some really good moments of some great football being played.
Open and honest/likeability
Listening to his pre-match and post-match interviews he has a real likeability, which is a great start. He talks about football with real excitement, and he talks about Chelsea and this project with real excitement. He is literally buzzing to be here managing our club.
He has already been very open and honest in interviews, admitting it was the hardest and most unfair team selection he will ever make last night after just one training session, and he has been quick to reassure those who didn’t get to start.
Tactically flexible/surprising/innovative
Everyone, apart from those insiders who had been told, fully believed that Tuchel was lining up in a 4-2-3-1 last night, because that is what it looked like on paper. Whereas in fact, it was always a 3-4-2-1 formation which trumped everyone, including Wolves. They had no idea how to play against it and just sat and hoped for a draw at best.
Tuchel used Callum Hudson-Odoi as a wing back, but he was basically a winger due to it being a fluid line up and using two different setups in and out of possession. Tuchel will be throwing many surprises like this and will always be flexible depending on the opponent.
He had some real balls to line up this way on his first match, and Chelsea should have and very almost did get all three points.
Has full belief in this squad
Once again listening to him talk, he has a real belief in this squad and rates the players he has. After the game last night he declared, “we will build a team that nobody wants to play against.”
That isn’t some drunk Dad making false promises at a Wedding evening do, that is a master tactician and expert in football absolutely believing in his own words and knowing it will happen.
On that note, it is impossible not to get excited right now, even after the emotional rollercoaster of the week that we are still in.
my new definition of arrogance: have one training session admit u know nothing about half the players, make 10 changes — the man is a twelve year old boy – this will end in tears 12th