Thomas Tuchel takes over as Chelsea manager

Thomas Tuchel has succeeded Frank Lampard at Chelsea.

The German tactician signed an initial 18-month contract to become the Blues’ new manager on Tuesday. Tuchel is tasked with reviving a Premier League title challenge that is in poor shape following a run of five defeats in eight matches.

Chelsea are positioned ninth in England’s top flight after spending over £200 million on transfers last summer. Lampard was sacked Monday having won only 49% of his Premier League matches over his 18-month spell, the worst rate for a manager during Roman Abramovich’s 18 seasons as Chelsea owner.

Tuchel has been out of work since Paris Saint-Germain dismissed him in December. Last season, he led the club to the Champions League final and won Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, and the Coupe de la Ligue. He also collected a Ligue 1 title in the 2018-19 campaign.

The 47-year-old was in charge of Borussia Dortmund before his PSG stint, where he enjoyed DFB-Pokal success in the 2016-17 term. He was widely credited for his thorough tactics and improving a number of young players.

“We all have the greatest respect for Frank Lampard’s work and the legacy he created at Chelsea,” Tuchel said. “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!”

Tuchel worked with Chelsea stars Christian Pulisic and Thiago Silva at Dortmund and PSG, respectively.

The new boss will begin his Chelsea tenure with a visit from Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday.