A familiar face returns to English football – this time as the manager of the Three Lions. Thomas Tuchel’s appointment is a real statement of intent from the FA, as they bring in the German, who enjoyed spells with Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, and also Chelsea, where his side regularly challenged to upset Premier League betting by competing with Manchester City and Liverpool.
Indeed, Tuchel’s arrival signifies a commitment to blending tactical acumen with resilience under pressure. His media presence is formidable, bringing honesty and strength, even under turbulent circumstances – exactly what the Three Lions need following defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
Chelsea fans remember the Tuchel era well. During his Stamford Bridge tenure, the German frequently found himself front and centre amid a backdrop of off-field challenges. Whether facing ownership issues or a flood of pressing questions, he stood firm and managed to deliver on the pitch until his departure in the 2022/23 season.
As fans anticipate his journey with England, let’s look back at his short but impactful time at Chelsea and the impact he left on the Premier League.
Arrival at Stamford Bridge
Tuchel joined Chelsea in January 2021, a period of transition and challenges. The Blues had recently emerged from a transfer ban and were struggling to rediscover form under club legend Frank Lampard. They were also yet to find a replacement for Eden Hazard, and points were difficult to come by.
Tuchel’s first test was against Liverpool, managed by his compatriot Jürgen Klopp. Though initially cautious, Tuchel gradually built momentum, bringing stability to the squad and maintaining Chelsea’s competitiveness in Europe.
FA Cup heartbreak
Before his most celebrated victory with Chelsea, Tuchel faced disappointment in the domestic cup competitions. In the 2021 FA Cup final, Chelsea fell to a resilient Leicester City side, missing out on a chance to secure a cup double that year.
It was a painful defeat, particularly as Chelsea had also lost the previous year’s final to Arsenal, but nothing could be done about Youri Tielemans’ rocket, as the Foxes upset the odds at Wembley.
Champions League success
Tuchel’s defining moment at Chelsea came just months after his arrival when he led the Blues to a stunning 1-0 victory over Manchester City in the 2021 Champions League final.
With Kai Havertz scoring the match-winning goal, Chelsea lifted their second-ever Champions League trophy.
The manager’s tactical plan was precise, stifling City’s attack and capitalising on Pep Guardiola’s decision to not play a holding midfielder. The triumph solidified his reputation among Europe’s top managers, bouncing back from losing the final a year before with PSG.
League ambitions
With a Champions League title in hand, Tuchel entered his first full season aiming to challenge for the Premier League title.
The Blues signed Romelu Lukaku, hoping his addition would close the gap to Manchester City and Liverpool. Chelsea remained in the title race through January but ultimately faltered in their pursuit.
Despite the league struggles, Chelsea added more silverware to their collection by winning both the UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup, further cementing Tuchel’s success.
Things began to unravel in the second half of the season, though. Tuchel led the team to both the FA Cup and League Cup finals, though both ended in narrow penalty shootout defeats to Liverpool, meaning they missed out on the chance to lift six trophies in a year and a half together.
The Todd Boehly Era
The end of Tuchel’s Chelsea tenure came in September 2022, following disagreements with the club’s new ownership under Todd Boehly. The two reportedly clashed over several issues, including Boehly’s desire for an involved role in transfers, a vision for the club’s future integrating the academy, and occasional tactical disagreements.
Tuchel’s departure was met with disappointment among fans, as he had established a positive legacy through his successes and resilience. Nonetheless, his work as a coach and figurehead left a lasting mark on Stamford Bridge.
