Thomas Tuchel has been appointed England manager and will officially start working from 1 January 2025.

The 51-year-old German becomes the third non-British permanent manager of the men’s team after Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello.

Gareth Southgate resigned in July after England’s defeat by Spain in the Euro 2024 final.

Lee Carsley, who has overseen four games since being appointed interim manager in August, will remain in charge for the Nations League matches against Greece and the Republic of Ireland next month.

Tuchel, who left Bayern Munich at the end of last season, said: “I am very proud to have been given the honour of leading the England team.

“I have long felt a personal connection to the game in this country, and it has given me some incredible moments already.

“To have the chance to represent England is a huge privilege, and the opportunity to work with this special and talented group of players is very exciting.”

Chief executive Mark Bullingham said the Football Association had appointed “one of the best coaches in the world”.

The FA said Tuchel, who left Bayern Munich at the end of last season, was the “preferred candidate” from the “several candidates” interviewed.

It said the FA board approved the decision last week and Tuchel signed a contract on 8 October.

“The announcement was delayed to minimise distraction around the international camp that has just concluded,” a statement read.

English coach Anthony Barry will be Tuchel’s assistant.

Tuchel managed Mainz, Borussia Dortmund, Paris St-Germain and Chelsea before moving to Bayern.

Former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has agreed to become the next England manager.

The BBC has been told by two different sources that German Tuchel will become the third non-British permanent manager of the England men’s team after Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello.

England have been without a permanent manager since Gareth Southgate resigned following the Three Lions’ Euro 2024 final defeat against Spain.

Lee Carsley, who the Football Association put in charge on an interim basis, will remain in place for England’s final two Nations League matches against Greece and the Republic of Ireland in November, with Tuchel set to formally take over after that.

Tuchel’s formal unveiling is expected this week at Wembley.

His main target will be leading England through qualification for the 2026 World Cup which takes place in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

An approach was also made for Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola in the summer to see if had an interest in the role.

Tuchel is familiar with English football having managed Chelsea between January 2021 and September 2022.

The 51-year-old lifted the Champions League, Fifa Club World Cup and Uefa Super Cup with the Blues before being sacked.

In June, the former Bayern Munich, Paris St-Germain and Borussia Dortmund manager ruled himself out of the running to take over at Manchester United having met Red Devils co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in France.

He won the German Cup with Dortmund and two Ligue 1 titles at PSG, including a domestic treble in 2019-20.

His last high-profile job was manager of Bayern but, after the club failed to win the Bundesliga title for the first time since 2011-12 last season, he left the position despite still having a year to run on his contract.

Neither the FA, Tuchel’s representatives or Manchester City would comment publicly when approached by BBC Sport.

‘Tuchel was more accepted in England’

Following a turbulent tenure at Bayern Munich, Tuchel should find the transition from club football to England manager slightly easier, says Christian Falk, head of football for BILD in Germany.

“He is not always an easy guy,” Falk told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“He had problems in Germany with the bosses of the club but in England it was different. He loved the island and he was accepted more than in Germany and that is why he always wanted to come back.

“The most problems he has always had is over transfers which club bosses didn’t agree to but he won’t have that problem with England.”

Former Chelsea defender Pat Nevin thinks Tuchel will be able to bring a different perspective to the England squad.

“The thing that really impressed me during his time at Chelsea was his ability to adapt,” said Nevin on 5 Live.

“When he was there he was very much a three centre-backs and wing-backs kind of manager – and that was because he had Marcos Alonso and Reece James as the powerhouses.

“But he wasn’t like that at Bayern and certainly wasn’t at Dortmund or PSG, so he is a manager who doesn’t just have one idea. He will look at what he has and adapt to that.”

The FA’s job spec for Southgate’s successor asked for a candidate who will “lead and develop the England senior men’s team to win a major tournament”.

With that in mind, former Three Lions defender Stuart Pearce thinks the bar will already be set high for the incoming Tuchel.

Pearce, who won 78 caps, told talkSPORT: “When Gareth left in the summer people were saying, ‘we need to go the next step’.

“Where is the next step from getting to finals and being runner-up? The next step is winning trophies.

“That will be the expectation and I think he’s got a really tough tournament in a year-and-a-half to attempt to win the World Cup.

“That’s a tough prospect.”

Harry Redknapp, who won the FA Cup as Portsmouth boss and was linked with the England job during his managerial career, says he is disappointed the FA have looked abroad.

“Obviously the field [of English managers] was very small to choose from because Englishmen don’t get jobs managing in the Premier League very often now,” Redknapp told Sky Sports.

“I do think with all the money the FA spend on coaching courses, when the jobs come along, an Englishman never gets the job and it’s sad.”

How did we get here?

The FA’s search for a new boss began in July, two days after England’s Euro 2024 disappointment when Southgate resigned following their second consecutive Euros final defeat, having been beaten on penalties by Italy at Wembley three years ago.

Southgate spent eight years in charge of the national side and is the only manager bar 1966 World Cup winner Sir Alf Ramsey to lead England’s men into a major tournament final.

Carsley took over the job on a temporary basis “with a view to remaining in the position throughout autumn” while the FA assessed suitable options.

The 50-year-old has overseen three victories and one defeat – a 2-1 defeat by Greece at Wembley last week – in the Nations League since stepping up to cover the role.

Like Southgate, Carsley was previously England Under-21s boss and guided the team to victory at the European U21 Championship in 2023.

Following the loss to Greece, Carsley said he would “hopefully be going back to the under-21s”.

After the win over Finland three days later, he said it was “definitely” wrong to say he had ruled himself out of the running for the permanent job, but said England deserve a “world-class coach”.

Among the other names previously linked with the permanent vacancy are Newcastle manager Eddie Howe and former Brighton and Chelsea boss Graham Potter.

Ex-England defender Stephen Warnock said the deal between the FA and Tuchel had been done “very cleverly behind the scenes”.

“[The FA] have gone out and found someone who is very tactically astute,” Warnock told 5 Live.

“What Tuchel brings is a character and a reflection of his own style on a football pitch.”

Thomas Tuchel has ruled himself out of the Manchester United manager’s job.

The former Bayern Munich and Chelsea coach was thought to be one of the names under consideration by United should they decide to replace Erik ten Hag.

A post-season review has still not reached its conclusion and Ten Hag has yet to learn whether he will get a third season in charge at Old Trafford.

It is understood Tuchel has met United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in France.

However, the 50-year-old German, who has also had stints with Borussia Dortmund and Paris St-Germain, wants to take a break following his exit from Bayern at the end of last season.

United have been linked with a number of managers should they decide to make a change, including ex-Chelsea and Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino, Brentford’s Thomas Frank and Graham Potter.

England boss Gareth Southgate has also been heavily linked and attended Sir Dave Brailsford’s 60th birthday celebrations earlier this year.

However, United’s first pre-season friendly is the day after the Euro 2024 final and Southgate has a contract with the Football Association until the end of the year.

Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel said the decision from officials to stop play before his side scored a stoppage-time equaliser against Real Madrid “feels like a betrayal”.

Bayern led 1-0 in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final up until the 88th minute, when substitute Joselu scored twice in three minutes.

With Bayern trailing 2-1 in the 13th minute of stoppage time, Matthijs de Ligt thought he had equalised but assistant referee Tomasz Listkiewicz had already raised his flag for offside.

Real defenders stopped before De Ligt fired into the net and television replays showed the original decision may not have been offside and would have needed to be checked by video assistant referee (VAR).

Because play had been stopped, VAR was unable to intervene. Tuchel told TNT Sports “it was a very, very bad decision” and “against the rules”.

“There was a disastrous decision from the linesman and the referee. It feels like a betrayal in the end,” he said.

“The linesman says sorry but that does not help. To raise the flag in a moment like this…

“The referee sees we get the second ball and we get the shot.

“It’s hard to swallow but that’s the way it is.”

“It just doesn’t help to make excuses after the fact. You are on the field for this reason, because you are the best there is. And we have the right to expect that until the end.”

Real play Borussia Dortmund in the final at Wembley on 1 June.

Manager Thomas Tuchel will leave Bayern Munich at the end of the season.

The 50-year-old replaced Julian Nagelsmann at the German champions in March 2023 on a deal until June 2025.

But the former Chelsea boss will depart a year earlier than planned as part of “a sporting realignment” at Bayern.

He led Bayern to last season’s Bundesliga title after taking over in the spring but they now sit eight points behind leaders Bayer Leverkusen after back-to-back league defeats.

One of those was an emphatic 3-0 loss to Leverkusen – and they were also beaten 1-0 by Lazio in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.

Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen said both parties agreed to “mutually end our collaboration” following “an open, good conversation”.

“Our goal is to carry out a sporting realignment with a new coach for the 2024-25 season,” he added.

“Until then, every individual in the club is expressly challenged to achieve the maximum possible in the Champions League and the Bundesliga.

“I also explicitly hold the team responsible. Especially in the Champions League, we are convinced after the defeat at Lazio we will advance to the quarter-finals with our fans behind us.”

Tuchel, who has also managed Paris St-Germain and Borussia Dortmund, said: “We will leave after this season. Until then, my coaching team and I will continue to do everything we can to ensure maximum success.”

The German, who won the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021, oversaw a quarter-final defeat at the hands of eventual winners Manchester City in Europe last season.

However, his Bayern side were able to pip Borussia Dortmund on the final day of the Bundesliga campaign – because their rivals drew 2-2 at home to Mainz – to seal an 11th straight German title.

England captain Harry Kane arrived from Tottenham Hotspur in a deal worth an initial 100m euros (£86m) in the hope of securing domestic and European success.

But a damaging period has seen Bayern slip further behind Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen side in the Bundesliga and they also must overturn a first-leg deficit against Lazio to stay in Europe.

Sunday’s 3-2 defeat at Bochum was their third in a row in all competitions.

Chelsea announced the sacking of Thomas Tuchel as their manager on Wednesday, September 7, following defeat in the UEFA Champions League opener.

The Premier League side suffered a shocking 0-1 defeat to Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia on Tuesday, adding to their disappointing start to the season.

Chelsea have already lost two league games and lie sixth with 10 points after six games.

The sacking of Tuchel has raised mixed reactions on social media with fans describing the decision as shocking.

Chelsea have sacked manager Thomas Tuchel following Tuesday’s night’s Champions League defeat by Dinamo Zagreb.

The 49-year-old former Borussia Dortmund and Paris St-Germain boss leaves Stamford Bridge after 20 months.

Owner Todd Boehly has placed Tuchel’s coaching staff in temporary charge until a replacement is found.

A club statement said the owners believe it is “the right time” to bring in a new head coach.

Chelsea said:

“On behalf of everyone at Chelsea FC, the Club would like to place on record its gratitude to Thomas and his staff for all their efforts during their time with the Club. Thomas will rightly have a place in Chelsea’s history after winning the Champions League, the Super Cup and Club World Cup in his time here. 

“As the new ownership group reaches 100 days since taking over the Club, and as it continues its hard work to take the club forward, the new owners believe it is the right time to make this transition. 

“Chelsea’s coaching staff will take charge of the team for training and the preparation of our upcoming matches as the Club moves swiftly to appoint a new head coach. 

“There will be no further comment until a new head coach appointment is made.”

Tuchel was appointed on 26 January, 2021, replacing Frank Lampard, and guided the club to their second Champions League title just four months later.

He went on to add the Uefa Super Cup and Fifa Club World Cup later that year.

Two-time winners Chelsea began their Champions League campaign with a shock defeat at Dinamo Zagreb.

The Croatian champions have a woeful record in this competition – winning just five of 43 games before this meeting – but they stubbornly held on after taking a first-half lead.

The dangerous Mislav Orsic netted the 13th-minute winner, running through from the halfway line and beautifully dinking a finish past the advancing Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Dinamo came agonisingly close to a second but Stefan Ristovski’s thunderous, long-range effort was superbly tipped on to the bar by Arrizabalaga.

Deadline-day signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was handed his Chelsea debut and, although the ex-Arsenal skipper had a goal ruled out for offside, he largely looked off the pace.

Armando Broja replaced Aubameyang just before the hour mark, but the Albanian had little impact in an overall disjointed performance from Thomas Tuchel’s men.

Chelsea launched a late onslaught on Dinamo’s goal and the hosts were relieved to see Reece James’ low shot rattle the foot of the post with five minutes remaining.

In Group E’s other game, Serie A champions AC Milan drew 1-1 against Austrian champions FC Salzburg.

Tuchel did not mince his words after Chelsea suffered their third defeat in seven games in all competitions this season.

“We are clearly not there, where we need to be and where we can be,” he said. “So it’s on me, it’s on us, we need to find solutions.”

Tuchel added on BT Sport: “At the moment, everything is missing, [there is] too much to analyse. I’m a part of it.

“I am angry at myself, I am angry at our performance. I didn’t see it coming.

“We need to be much better. We are not finished, we are not happy but I thought we were on a good way. I am surprised by this performance.”

Thomas Tuchel and Antonio Conte have been charged by the FA for the furious touchline bust-up that overshadowed Sunday’s London derby.

Chelsea manager Tuchel and Tottenham boss Conte twice had to be separated during the 2-2 draw, sparking furious scenes at Stamford Bridge.

And the FA confirmed on Monday night that the pair have been charged with improper conduct.

Both managers were shown red cards after clashing at the full-time whistle and could be heading for a touchline ban or a fine if found guilty by the FA.

Tuchel is also under investigation for comments that he made after the game in which he appeared to question the integrity of referee Anthony Taylor, suggesting that the 43-year-old should not be allowed to officiate Chelsea matches in future.

Head coach Thomas Tuchel has confirmed Antonio Rudiger will leave Chelsea in the summer.

The defender, who is approaching the end of his contract, has been linked with Real Madrid, Manchester United and PSG, while his agent met with Barcelona officials last month over a potential summer move to the Nou Camp.

Reacting on Instagram to Sky Sports’ post regarding the news, former Chelsea captain John Terry replied: “How have we let this man go.”

Speaking to Sky Sports after Chelsea’s 1-0 win over West Ham, Blues boss Tuchel confirmed: “The situation is that he wants to leave the club. He informed me of this in a private talk.

“We gave everything – me and the club – but we could not fight anymore because of the actions. Without the sanctions we would at least be able to carry on fighting, but our hands are tied. We don’t take it personally. It is his decision.

“He is a key figure and will stay that way until the end of the season. But it is disappointing. We will miss him a lot. He gives courage in the dressing room. The kind everyone is afraid of, but the kind to play 50-55 games at an outstanding level. He is a top defender in the last one-and-a-half years for me. We then need to find another solution.”

In the press conference that followed, Tuchel confirmed the decision was not a factor in his absence at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

“He’s injured. No concerns from him,” he added. “It’s a groin and in the other leg a bit hamstring. He is somebody who plays through pain anyway. It’s not even an injury and he feels insecure. He’ll come back to training on Tuesday ahead of Thursday.

“He has no doubts and he made no doubts that he will play until the end of the season. This is what he did from day one and this is what he’ll do for the last minute.”

And pressed on whether the Blues will be able to replace Rudiger after his departure, Tuchel said: “In the moment not, because of the sanctions. Hopefully the sanctions will be the past.

“We had a connection from day one and he deserves my full support. I’m just happy to have had the chance to coach him in the team and the club did as well. We had offers, big offers and the club tried everything but we cannot fight anymore. We have the sanctions, we can’t continue. It is what it is.

“It would be ideal [for sanctions to be lifted before the transfer window] but even if we wish for it, you can’t pull grass for it to grow faster. We have to deal with what the reality is. The sanctions are still in place and the situation is not cleared for next season. We try to focus on the last weeks.”

At the end of a week that threatened to derail their season, Chelsea returned to winning ways on Saturday with a thumping victory over Southampton that offered manager Thomas Tuchel renewed optimism for the challenges that lie ahead.

A 6-0 demolition of Saints at St Mary’s sets the Blues up for another big week as they look to salvage the defence of their Champions League title before going to Wembley for an FA Cup semi-final against Crystal Palace.

They will travel to Spain looking to overturn a 3-1 first-leg deficit against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu with fresh confidence after two goals each by Mason Mount and Timo Werner inspired them to their biggest away win of the season.

Tuchel had declared their tie with record 13-time winners Real was no longer alive following Wednesday’s game at Stamford Bridge, calling his team’s display “alarming”.

But could they turn it around after Saturday’s devastating performance embarrassed Southampton?

‘This is how we want to play’

Tuchel had said “things are upside down” before Saturday’s game after a bruising week in which they conceded seven times over two matches.

The German held lengthy talks with his players on Thursday in an attempt to turn their form around, and the response was both telling and immediate.

Not only did they score six goals without reply at Southampton, they also struck the woodwork three times.

“This is how we want to play and we gave an answer finally because you could see it on the scoreboard,” added Tuchel after his side’s electric performance.

“You could see they were focused to play to the plan and we did it with concentration, commitment, hunger and of course with quality.

“It’s not only a possession game against Southampton, it’s about winning the duels, accepting the physicality. There was a good mix in all areas of the pitch, in mentality and commitment. It was very, very good.”

‘Real will be a difficult task’

Despite this eye-catching win, Chelsea trail Premier League leaders Manchester City by 11 points with eight games of the season left.

Having finished runners-up to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup, the FA Cup is their most realistic hope of winning a major domestic trophy, while fans will still retain hope they can overturn their deficit to Real Madrid.

Tuchel was asked whether his side could turn it around against Real on Tuesday after hitting six past Saints.

“It is a completely different game and opponent. The situation does not get easy,” he added.

“First of all it was necessary to do the job here. That will be a very difficult task and there is no change to it. We did what we wanted and that is the good news.”

‘Not nice to watch’

Trailing 6-0 with more than half an hour to go, Southampton fans must have feared a third 9-0 rout of Ralph Hasenhuttl’s reign after those huge losses at Manchester United in February 2021 and at home to Leicester in October 2019.

Hasenhuttl admitted seeing many of the same old problems reoccurring against Chelsea.

“The only chance for us against a team like Chelsea is when we are hot and they are not so motivated,” added the Austrian.

“We are not convinced that we can press such a team at the moment.

“This was very disappointing to see that we fall back into behaviours that we thought had gone.

“It seems we have to have one game like this a season, which is not nice to watch and very hard to take.

“If you play like this against the Champions League winners, this is what happens.”

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel says it has not sunk in that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is to sell the club, with the German expecting “a big change”.

The Russian businessman released a statement before the FA Cup fifth-round win at Luton calling it an “incredibly difficult decision to make”.

Abramovich has owned Chelsea since 2003 and overseen 19 major trophy wins.

“It’s a bit too early to speak, because I can only think about Chelsea with Roman Abramovich,” said Tuchel.

“So it’s very hard for me. It hasn’t sunk in yet that this is going to stop. It’s a massive change of course. We did not talk about it [before Luton]. We accepted it.

“The players have internet connections, they watch TV so of course they knew, they get messages. But still we focused in the preparation only on sports.

“And maybe some players are more affected, some less, but in the end we managed to focus, grow into this game and find the key to win it.”

Having bought the Stamford Bridge club for £140m, the 55-year-old now values the club at as much as £3bn.

Abramovich says it has “never been about business nor money, but about pure passion for the game and club” and will not ask “for any loans to be repaid”, saying proceeds of the sale will be donated to “victims of the war in Ukraine”.

It follows a statement on Saturday where Abramovich said he would give “stewardship and care” of Chelsea to its foundation trustees following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“I don’t think I need to talk about it, I don’t know as much as maybe you think,” added Tuchel. “I’m not a CEO or member of the board. So, I’m very sure the club will speak to us and the players.

“I’m not so much worried because I still feel privileged and in a good place. And I still hope and trust for the best. I’m not so much the person who worries about things I cannot influence.

“It’s big news, it will be a big change, but I’m also never afraid of change, and will focus on what I can influence, and this is staff and team at Cobham.”

Speaking to BBC One, he added: “We heard the rumours throughout the day, and it’s on TV, and of course when we have team meetings and we eat together the guys talk about it, everybody talks about it. It is big news, let’s wait and see, hope for the best and see what the day brings.”

‘A conveyor belt of trophies’

BBC Radio 5 Live commentator John Murray says Abramovich selling the club is “one of the most significant moments in entire history of Chelsea and the last two decades of the Premier League”.

“In his time they were the most successful of all teams in the Premier League,” he said. “It has been the way he has run the club, the bottomless pockets. Before that we had never known anything like what Roman Abramovich did.

“An estimated £1.5bn of backing, That is what has set his ownership apart. Clearly uncertainty lies ahead. There will be another owner, maybe another super owner, but whoever – regardless of wealth – it is unlikely Chelsea will have another owner quite like Roman Abramovich.

“Before Chelsea we were conditioned to believe stability means success, Chelsea under Roman Abramovich changed all of that because they kept changing their managers and the one thing that didn’t change was the conveyor belt of trophies.”

However, former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin says the news did not come as a complete surprise and Abramovich had “probably chosen the right option”, despite changing the club’s fortunes in his 19 years at Stamford Bridge

“The first couple of statements Chelsea released were limp and that is being kind, this one is stronger and close to doing the right thing,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“Chelsea fans will be concerned about the club going forward. The club will survive and let’s get this into perspective. It is a football club, it is only a game, there are bigger fish to fry right now.

“Chelsea might be lucky and get a wealthy owner. Have a look at what has happened to Barca and Real Madrid, teams go through ups and down, Real fans understand that. Put away the violins because the tears need to be about somewhere else in the world.

“It would be good if the club was sold for a profit so it could help the Ukrainian people. The club has been running on getting things back on an even keel for a few years because Roman Abramovich knew all along he wasn’t going to last forever.”

‘Still no condemnation about Ukraine’

Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards said on BBC One Tuchel was handling himself “impeccably” but Alan Shearer believes it should be club executives facing the media rather than the Chelsea boss.

“Thomas Tuchel does feel uncomfortable when he has to answer the questions,” said the former England striker. “It is nothing compared to the impossible situation the poor people of Ukraine are in at this time.

“He should ask the executives above him to answer them, perhaps he has and they aren’t listening. It is affecting everyone, we are all watching the news. You would not be human if it not affecting you.”

Shearer also suggested a sale could take months or years, adding that it was a “huge moment” for Chelsea because of the “massive success” during Abramovich’s tenure.

“But more importantly, there is still no condemnation from Roman or the club about what is happening in Ukraine,” added Shearer.

Richard added: “It is a better statement than Saturday, there is a lot more clarity and Roman Abramovich has done the right thing.

“It is so sad we have to talk about this on a football night after all the scenes we have seen. It is heartbreaking. The sooner it happens the better.”

Pitso Mosimane, who is a big fan of Pep Guardiola, has eulogised the Manchester City coach referring to him as a legend but also believes Thomas Tuchel could surpass the Spaniard.

The Al Ahly coach recently won back-to-back bronze medals at the Club World Cup and has been heralded as one of the best African coaches in recent times.

For even the best in the game, they modeled the game after their predecessors and Mosimane is no different. The former Mamelodi Sundowns coach looks up to Guardiola and regards him as the best coach in the world.

“Pep is a top coach and a legend. For me, he is the number 1 coach in the world at the moment. There are many other great coaches,” the 57-year-old told Joy Sports.

After finishing third in the Club World Cup, the five-time DStv Premiership champion shared a moment with Chelsea coach Tuchel. Mosimane says he was humbled by Tuchel after the German approached him.

“I have respect for Thomas Tuchel, he humbled me in the Club World Cup when he spoke to me. I just feel Pep has won a lot more than Tuchel but with Tuchel it is a matter of time. He [Tuchel] is young and probably could pass Pep. But Pep also keeps winning so it won’t be easy”

@AlAhly receive their medals after finishing third at the #ClubWC.

@TheRealPitso shared a moment with #CFC coach Thomas Tuchel.@iDiskiTimes | @WorldSportsBet pic.twitter.com/iXx5cE2lHM

— Lorenz Köhler (@Lorenz_KO) February 12, 2022

Mosimane is looking to become the first coach to three-peat the CAF Champions League after winning it two years in a row with Al Ahly.

A year ago today, Chelsea Football Club appointed Thomas Tuchel as their head coach.

Tuchel was brought in by the west London side following the dismissal of Frank Lampard midway through the 2020/21 season. The former England international led the team for 18 months following his appointment in July 2019.

Since assuming post, Tuchel has led the Blues to win a number of trophies – a feat they were far from achieving under the tutelage of Lampard.

Lampard, who was appointed on a three-year contract when he replaced Maurizio Sarri, led Chelsea to fourth place and the FA Cup final in his first season in charge, but subsequently, the Blues suffered many defeats in some eight league games. 

Lampard spent more than £200m on seven major signings last two summers, including £45m on Leicester City’s Ben Chilwell and £71m on midfielder Kai Havertz from Bayer Leverkusen.

It is the most Chelsea have spent in one summer, eclipsing the £186m they invested at the start of the 2017-18 season.

But under the tenure of Tuchel, the club has seen far more impressive results – and it has only been a year after his appointment, with the silverware being won before his first year anniversary at the club.

Accomplishments

Tuchel guided Chelsea to their second UEFA Champions League title in 2021 after four months at post. The winning goal in the game against Manchester City was delivered by Havertz.

In August last year, the team was crowned 2021 UEFA Super Cup champions after beating Villarreal 6-5 on penalties. The victory was refreshing as Chelsea had lost the Super Cup finals in 2012, 2013 and 2019.

The German coach, last year went up against Pep Guardiola of Manchester City and Italy head coach Roberto Macini for FIFA Best Men’s Coach award.

In the end, the 48-year-old emerged victorious and was adjudged 2021 FIFA Best Men’s Coach.

He was named UEFA Men’s Coach of the Year for 2020/21 as well as the 2021 Germany Manager of the Year.

Again, Tuchel has secured Chelsea a place in the Carabao Cup final.

The Blues come up against Liverpool on February 27, 2022,  at the Wembley Stadium in London.

Fans are excited

Chelsea supporters are optimistic the team’s future is bright. Taking to social media on Wednesday, they praised Tuchel and urged him to continue the good work.

Chelsea FC also celebrated Tuchel’s anniversary with a “blue love emoji” and a video touting his achievements.

Here are some tweets sighted by MyJoyOnline.com:

Today marks a year since Thomas Tuchel was appointed as our head coach! pic.twitter.com/DBjVIiwflv

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 26, 2022

One year of Thomas Tuchel already can’t believe it, one year of amazing success as well, love everything he stands for and I pray he actually lives out his contract and more. pic.twitter.com/kSgP1KmcuC

— Mod (@CFCMod_) January 26, 2022

Incredible what Thomas Tuchel has achieved in 1 year. pic.twitter.com/rACsTzJ4Ml

— Frank Khalid (@FrankKhalidUK) January 26, 2022

One year ago today, Thomas Tuchel arrived at Chelsea, who were sat ninth in the league. Since then:

Champions League
UEFA Super Cup
2021 FIFA Best Men’s Coach
2021-22 EFL Cup finalist pic.twitter.com/P8N0CBrtfO

— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 26, 2022

Thomas Tuchel admits he and his players must adopt a “different attitude and mindset” after falling 12 points behind leaders Manchester City at the top of the Premier League.

The Blues followed defeat by City with a frustrating 1-1 draw at Brighton on Tuesday night.

Tuchel gave his players time off this week before facing Tottenham on Sunday.

“We decided we would give the players two days off after Brighton to de-connect a little bit,” Tuchel said.

“But the two days alone doesn’t solve everything. It was good to have, and after this Tottenham game we will have another chance to give the majority of the players another two days off, because we simply need it.

“But for this Sunday, two days alone are not the solution. We have to make sure we are in a different attitude and a different mindset, and in top shape, because we have a big match.”

Chelsea have fallen off the blistering pace set by City, with the Blues having drawn five games and lost twice since the start of the December.

Romelu Lukaku and Hakim Ziyech were spotted having a lengthy animated conversation during the draw at Brighton, but Tuchel believes his players will be refreshed in time for their London derby with Spurs.

“I could see, I could feel from myself and from the team, that some emotions took over, maybe frustration, maybe disappointment,” admitted the German, reflecting on his side’s draw with the Seagulls.

“It was hard for us on this particular day to reach our top level as a team, whatever top level means on this particular day.

“We did not expect in general that we would play an overwhelming, exciting match, because there’s a very strong opponent who has a certain style of play that makes you underperform sometimes.

“But that was the very first time, so when it happens for the first time we should not make a bigger deal of it than it is.

“We’ve had our two days off now and two days to prepare to be ready for Sunday.”

Tuchel is still without Trevoh Chalobah, Reece James and Andreas Christensen as his team prepare to face Spurs for the third time this month, having beaten Antonio Conte’s side in the Carabao Cup semi-final.

Fifth-placed Tottenham are eight points adrift of Chelsea in third, but with four games in hand because of because of recent match postponements, Tuchel says he is aware of the need to take three points off their London rivals at Stamford Bridge this weekend.

“It’s a big game because of course we can do our mathematics,” said the former Paris St-Germain boss.

“But it’s strange to see the fixture and see teams competing for the same area of the table and having four games less.

“So this can lead to a wrong impression that you’re comfortably ahead when you are not. So we have to make sure that this stays like this.”

Romelu Lukaku has apologised and will return to the Chelsea squad for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Tottenham, manager Thomas Tuchel says.

Lukaku was dropped for Sunday’s Premier League draw with Liverpool after comments he made in an interview recorded three weeks ago.

The pair had a “calm” meeting on Monday about the striker returning. “He apologised and is back in the squad for today’s training,” Tuchel said.

“We have given it time to look back on. For me, the most important thing was to understand – and clearly understand – it was not intentional. He did not do this intentionally to create this kind of noise in front of a big game.”

In an interview recorded in December, Chelsea’s club-record £97.5m signing said he was “not happy” with his bit-part role under Tuchel and that he would like to return to Inter Milan in the near future.

Before Sunday’s game against Liverpool, Tuchel said he had left the 28-year-old out of the squad to “protect the preparation”.

Tuchel added: “Even before, when he seemed to be, in his opinion, ready to play after his injury from the start and we thought he needed to readapt to the intensity a little bit more, there was never the slightest behaviour against the team.

“So, it was the very first time that he felt in this way. It’s very important to stay calm and understand it’s not as big as maybe people want it to be.”

Lukaku has scored seven goals in 18 appearances since he rejoined Chelsea from Italian champions Inter Milan last August.

Tuchel said Lukaku is “aware of what he has created”, adding that the striker “feels the responsibility to clean up the mess”.

The manager added: “He is still our player and we have good, good reasons to make him play for us and convince him to fight hard.”

Lukaku has also been hampered by injury and illness since returning to Stamford Bridge and, at times, was left out of the starting line-up even when fit.

However, he has had a recent upturn in form, scoring in his past two Premier League appearances, after discussions about his role with Tuchel.

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel says Romelu Lukaku’s comments during an interview in which the striker said he was unhappy with his role at the club “brings noise that we don’t need”.

In an interview recorded several weeks ago but aired on Thursday, Lukaku said he would like to return to Inter Milan in the near future.

“I don’t like it,” Tuchel said.

“But I don’t want to make more out of it than it actually is. It is very easy to take lines out of context.”

The German added: “To be honest I don’t like it because it’s noise we don’t need. We need a calm environment and focus and it does not help.

“I don’t feel him unhappy. I feel the exact opposite. If you asked me yesterday morning I would say that he is absolutely fine. That’s why it’s a surprise but I am the wrong person to ask.

“We can take the time to try to understand what is going on because it does not reflect the daily work, the daily attitude, the daily behaviour Romelu shows here.”

Lukaku said in the interview with Sky Sport Italia that he was “not happy with the situation”, adding: “But I am a worker and I must not give up.”

The Belgium international, 28, returned to European champions Chelsea for a club record of £97.5m in August.

He has scored seven goals in 18 appearances since he rejoined the club but he has also been hampered by injury and illness.

Following discussions about his role with Tuchel, Lukaku has since scored two goals in two Premier League games.

“We will [talk to Lukaku] and we will do it behind closed doors and we will do it openly like I think the relationship is and has always been,” said the Chelsea boss.

“Today’s world is today’s world and everything is out there in public. If you are a big player like Romelu he knows what kind of value he has when he speaks out with messages like this.”

Tuchel added: “It is not necessary to always be in harmony to be successful. You don’t have to hug each other and love each other every single day. Sometimes it is good to be on the edge.

“With Romelu I don’t think anyone in this building is aware he is unhappy. That is what makes us very surprised about his statements. We need to check because I can see no reason why it should be like this.”

Striker Romelu Lukaku, who returned to Chelsea for a club record £97.5m in August, was “not happy” with his bit-part role under Blues boss Thomas Tuchel earlier this season.

The 28-year-old also told Sky Sport Italia – in an interview recorded several weeks ago but aired on Thursday – that he wanted to go back to Inter Milan in the near future.

“I’m not happy with the situation, this is normal,” said Lukaku at the time. “But I am a worker and I must not give up.”

The Belgian has scored seven goals in 18 club appearances since he re-joined Chelsea this summer. He has also been hampered by injury and illness and, at times, found himself left out of the starting line-up when fit.

However, Lukaku has had a recent upturn in form, scoring in his last two Premier League appearances, after discussions about his role with Tuchel.

“I think I needed a performance like this today. The manager has his reasons but I kept working hard,” Lukaku said after scoring in the 3-1 win over Aston Villa on 26 December.

“It’s a good win and personally for me I’m happy. Balls from crosses and the movement in the box – I try to be less static.”

Lukaku first signed for Chelsea in 2011 as an 18-year-old from Anderlecht, but struggled to break into the first team at Stamford Bridge, eventually leaving for successful stints at West Brom and Everton and a less convincing two-season spell at Manchester United.

His move to Inter Milan in August 2019 was a huge success, however, as he scored 64 goals in 95 appearances and helped the Nerazzurri end an 11-year wait for a Serie A title.

“I want to say a big apology to the Inter fans because I think the way I left should have been different,” he added in his Sky Sport Italia interview.

“I really hope in the depths of my heart to return to Inter, not at the end of my career, but at a still good level to hopefully win more.”

The Blues risk losing their spot at the top of the Premier League after going down against their rivals in a thrilling clash

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel played down the significance of his side’s shock 3-2 defeat to West Ham United on Saturday, while admitting that they could not afford to keep making mistakes if they want to remain in title contention.

The Blues led twice against their London rivals before going down to substitute Arthur Masuaku’s winner three minutes from the end.

That defeat could now see them knocked off the Premier League summit, depending on results elsewhere.

What was said?

“We hate to lose, we have to digest it now,” Tuchel explained to Match of the Day after the final whistle.

“It is not a performance to be mad about, but in detail we need to be better again.

“If we won the game nobody would have given us the title and if we lose it I don’t think anybody else gets it this weekend.”

Too many mistakes

Masuaku’s winner came from what appeared to be a mishit cross that flew past Edouard Mendy in the Chelsea net.

Earlier Manuel Lanzini and Jarrod Bowen both hit to peg back Chelsea, who took the advantage on two occasions through Thiago Silva and Mason Mount; and Tuchel affirmed that his charges paid the price for their errors throughout the game.

“This is a goal that OK, happens, it happens because it happens, there are no mistakes, just a freak goal – the problem is that it is the winner,” he added.

“We had too many mistakes before in our game because the performance was OK, we created half chances and were in control. Overall we did too many individual mistakes. If you do this for three consecutive games you cannot expect always to get a result.

“This will not change, the schedule is the schedule and we need to overcome tiredness, mentally and physically, otherwise we have an excuse. We did not get a gift today from West Ham and they also played Europa League in between.

“The schedule we play and effort we play, sometimes you feel tired, but you just need to accept it and control our risk management.”

Thomas Tuchel said “I don’t know why” Chelsea did not play well in their 1-0 Champions League defeat by Juventus.

Federico Chiesa scored Juve’s goal 10 seconds into the second half.

The Blues have now lost twice in five days – with only one shot on target in total – after a 1-0 home Premier League defeat to Manchester City on Saturday.

“I felt we were a bit slow and tired, mentally slow in our decision making. That’s why it’s a strange one to analyse,” boss Tuchel told BT Sport.

This was only the second time European champions Chelsea have lost consecutive games since Tuchel was appointed in January.

“We were so good yesterday in training, but not good enough, not free enough today. I don’t know why, it was the whole team,” he added.

They were caught out after the restart as Chiesa scored the earliest Champions League second-half goal since at least 2003-04.

“At this level you cannot concede an easy goal like this in the first seconds of the second half,” said Tuchel.

“When you know what’s coming and you have defensive organisation like we have, normally it’s always possible to defend it. We got punished for it.

“We should have been much, much sharper. We should have asked more questions.”

Juve have now won three games in a row in all competitions, having dropped into the Serie A relegation zone following a shaky start to Max Allegri’s second spell in charge.

Allegri said: “Sailors always find the way out of a storm. Tonight was a good game against the European champions.

“Technically we could have played better, but we suffered a bit and we missed a couple of counter-attacks. Two games, six points, zero goals conceded, another step towards qualification, a good step forward.”

Thomas Tuchel admitted his Chelsea side was not good enough in a 1-0 home Premier League defeat by champions Manchester City on Saturday which ended Chelsea’s unbeaten start to the season.

Chelsea set up to frustrate City but offered little other than defensive solidity until Gabriel Jesus broke the deadlock with a shot on the turn in the 53rd minute.

City, who had lost all their meetings with Chelsea since Tuchel took charge in January, including the Champions League final, would have won by more but for home keeper Edouard Mendy.

“We lost the game and City deserved to win. Until the goal we were very strong in the last 20 metres of the field, but only there, unfortunately,” Tuchel told reporters.

“Everywhere else we were not good enough to relieve pressure and to hurt them. The performance was not complex enough.

“Overall, simply, we were not at our best level.”

Chelsea did try and raise the tempo in a bid to salvage the game but it was too little too late.

“After the goal it felt a little bit like the belief in winning was bigger than the fear of losing, I don’t know why. We tried to push and get the crowd behind us. It was a very emotional game but never on our highest level,” Tuchel said.

City produced their best display of the season, pressing the ball relentlessly and smothering the home side who failed to register a shot on target.

Manager Pep Guardiola, a keen golf fan, said his side’s teamwork reminded him of the Ryder Cup.

“Today we played for each other, ran for each other, and passed the ball for each other. Now I’m watching the Ryder Cup and I’m seeing how they play for each other. That is nice when you play football too,” the Spaniard said.

“It’s just three points, but the way we played was so good.”

For City it was the perfect boost ahead of their midweek Champions League clash with Paris St Germain.

“It’s a good way to start this fascinating week that we have ahead of us,” Guardiola said.

Barely a week after leading the blues to annex the UEFA Champions League for a second time, manager Thomas Tuchel has signed a contract extension until the summer of 2024.

Tuchel, 47, signed an initial 18-month deal when he replaced Frank Lampard as Blues boss in January.

Tuchel made an immediate impact, overseeing a top-four finish and run to the FA Cup final before going on to land major silverware as Manchester City were edged out in a European showpiece that convinced Roman Abramovich of his worth.

Tuchel told the Chelsea official website: ‘I cannot imagine a better occasion for a contract renewal. I am grateful for the experience and very happy to stay part of the Chelsea family.

Should Tuchel fulfil his new contract at Stamford Bridge, he will become the longest-serving coach under ruthless Blues owner Roman Abramovich.

Chelsea owner Abramovich has dismissed 13 different Blues managers since taking over the club in June 2003 – including Chelsea’s other Champions League-winning manager Roberto Di Matteo just six months after guiding them to European glory.

It’s fair to say Chelsea weren’t close to European Champion discussions when Thomas Tuchel took over from Frank Lampard.

Fast forward four months and a team that looked broken dominated Europe, winning the Champions League at the expense of Manchester City.

But what changed for Tuchel?

In this week’s Gamechanger, Joojo Ocran looks at one component Tuchel focused on to make Chelsea competitive again.

For the second time, Chelsea under the leadership of Thomas Tuchel has won the Champions League.

What could have been a cardiac arrest for many across the world turned into bliss and adrenaline rush on Saturday, May 29.

The winning goal scored by Kai Havertz’s, was his first in the Champions League.

Scores on social media, following the demise of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City last night after being beaten a goal to nil, have flooded the platform with accolades of how “The Blues” with their victory have made the world a better place.

In Ghana, the famous group, Against Supporters Union (ASU) have been rendered blind, dumb and deaf over this glorious victory.

Already, some Chelsea supporters are vying for the team’s central midfielder, Ngolo Kante to win the Ballon d’or this season for his outstanding performance.

“Kante controlled everything from his position in midfield, the complete player giving a breathtaking performance,” a BBC article described the central midfielder.

Below are some comments on Twitter:

Cheers Chelsea! pic.twitter.com/H9pgbDLaUg

— Owuraku Ampofo (@_owurakuampofo) May 29, 2021

Still can’t believe it champions of Europe. Had the most NUTS night

— Mihir (@cfcmihir) May 30, 2021

Cry cry baby…
Should have…must have ….would have…. lmao!!!! Champions Europe!!!! We won.

Don’t every Forget this…
Tuchel 3 vs Pep 0…

He can copy tactic for next season…and we will still beat him like a thief again…

— Onye Ije-uwa (@thereal_titus) May 30, 2021

Here to remind y’all that the underdogs have become champions of Europe!!!!

— Ogunjimi Waleola (@waleola28) May 30, 2021

Thomas Tuchel coming in and changing our fortune in just 4 months! What a genius this man is, insane work resulting in us being Champions of Europe again!!

Not to forget Super Frankie Lampard’s contribution, he laid the foundation!#ChampionsOfEurope pic.twitter.com/w2WvYMgjrc

— The Sourav Dubey (@TheSouravCFC) May 30, 2021

“Champions of Europe, you’ll never sing that” @ManCity pic.twitter.com/mzU2GSTRdR

— 6lal Almutairi (@TalalBelieve) May 30, 2021

We up! Good morning to my fellow kings of Europe, the rest of you should bow down to greatness #KingsOfEurope #KTBFFH #ChelseaFC

— •dɛmɪgɒd• ‏ (@McClayton_) May 30, 2021

What a feeling what a night kings of Europe #UpTheChels https://t.co/r5xMmj3N5X

— David McCarthy (@davidmccarthy12) May 30, 2021

Ngolo Kante just need balon dor to complete his beautiful career. The most loved player of all time.

— Sheldon Tuchel (@YawaOfTheDaaY) May 30, 2021

ballon d’or 2021 for N’golo Kante will be the best thing for modern football.
That would contribute in lessening the mad concentration on STATS and instead focusing on the actual flow of the game #NgoloKante pic.twitter.com/qQ72qu9Adb

— Beilsa’s Knees (@simosarey) May 30, 2021

If your team has not won a premier League title or UCL since the last time Chelsea won the UCL in 2012, you better put some respect on our name. Beesh!

— THE OPTIMIST (@Gbengawhite_) May 30, 2021

Moooooooood pic.twitter.com/FfwRbaDETT

— Lexis Bill (@lexisbill) May 29, 2021

Former Inter Milan midfielder Wesley Sniedjer has chosen Chelsea as his favorites for Saturday’s Uefa Champions against Manchester City.

Speaking to Sports Mail Sneidjer touted Chelsea and Manchester City are the best clubs in Europe. ‘I have seen Chelsea play many times and have pride and strength. I am happy that these two teams are on top of Europe right now.’ The 2010 Champions League winner added that Chelsea are a stronger team under Thomas Tuchel after the German took over from former Blues midfielder Frank Lampard.

“Yes, they are the two best clubs. For me Chelsea wins.”
“They are a strong team with [Thomas] Tuchel and they have a great coach: they have already beaten Manchester City and for me they are favorites.”

The former Holland midfielder pointed to Chelsea’s strength and pride after watching them this season.
“I have seen Chelsea play many times and have pride and strength. I am happy that these two teams are on top of Europe right now.”

Thomas Tuchel says Chelsea “feel good” about playing Premier League rivals Manchester City in the Champions League final after beating them last month.

Tuchel’s side set up a Champions League showdown with City on May 29 in Istanbul with a 2-0 win over Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night, going through 3-1 on aggregate.

It’s the second all-English Champions League final in three years, and while Tuchel says April’s FA Cup semi-final win over Pep Guardiola’s side doesn’t give them an upper hand, it does make them confident of a repeat performance.

“No [it doesn’t give us] the upper hand, but it gives us a good feeling, it gives us confidence. We played the semi on the edge. They are the benchmark and we wanted to close the gap to Man City. We will need the same level of performance again. It gave us belief, because it is the highest level you can face.

“We will arrive with self confidence and the positive energy in Istanbul, and we will arrive in Istanbul to win, not to be one of the participants. We arrive with a clear focus to win.”

Tuchel was full of praise for the way his side stayed positive during Wednesday’s clash, having missed nearly half-a-dozen find chances to double their lead after Timo Werner’s opener. The second goal eventually came late on through Mason Mount.

‘We wanted it badly’

Speaking about his impressive four months at the club so far, which has included 18 clean sheets in 24 games, Tuchel said: “It’s worth it every single day so far, I work for an amazing club from the first day, I felt huge support from day one, and I am grateful to be on the sideline of this team.

“This was another energetic performance full of positive attitude and hunger, the spirit to go.

“Their heads were never down. Even after these big chances, they were positive. We are not done yet. we are in two finals now, and the sacrifice, I personally gave was worth it from day one.

“I’m pretty happy with what I see. [When I arrived] I thought individually and as a group they were strong and had great behaviour, and that never stopped. It’s a pleasure to be in the dressing room.

“We hang in and fight our way through, we use our bodies and work rate, and if we cannot out play them we out work them.

“They didn’t step back, they never got frustrated, I never saw a change in mentality or body language, it was very positive and very brave. We didn’t regress. We really wanted it, wanted it badly.

“Pure individual quality, to hang in there, to continue with positive body language, to hang in physically, and the mental attitude like today, to stay aggressive and active, to never stop trying, play for the second ball, never allowing Real to push us deep, this is really huge. I am absolutely delighted with this spirit, and big credit, big congratulations to the team.”

Mount: We should have had five!

Mason Mount speaking to BT Sport:

“I can’t put it into words. It was a great performance. We should probably have had about five. I should have had one 20 minutes before I scored. We had that desire. We wanted to win.

“It is not over. I have won nothing yet but we have two cup finals that we want to win.”

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel says “things got heated” in a “serious situation” between Kepa Arrizabalaga and Antonio Rudiger on Sunday.

Goalkeeper Kepa and defender Rudiger were involved in an incident in training the day after Chelsea’s shock 5-2 defeat by West Brom.

“We needed to interfere in the situation, so that was serious,” Tuchel said on Tuesday.

“They cleared the air immediately and there was nothing left the day after.”

Tuchel said the argument stemmed from an incident in training and not the loss to West Brom.

Rudiger was reportedly sent in early after the two players were seen to push one another.

“It got heated up between Toni and Kepa,” the German said. “So we calmed the situation down immediately.

“The reaction was not OK. But how the guys handled the situation, especially Toni and Kepa, was amazing and showed how much respect they have for each other.”

Tuchel said neither player would be punished after the players “immediately sorted it out” between themselves.

“They sorted it out straight after training in a very honest, humble and very direct way,” Tuchel added.

“That showed me they have very good character. Toni sorted it out directly, and it was a strong and brave thing to do.”

Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic said the incident was “not a big deal”.

“These things happen in a family and we’re a strong group,” the Croat said. “We spoke about it – it is all cleared and all done.”

Chelsea’s loss to West Brom at the weekend brought an end to a 14-match unbeaten start to Tuchel’s reign.

They face Porto on Wednesday at 20:00 BST in the Champions League quarter-finals.

Matheus Pereira and Callum Robinson scored twice as struggling West Brom overwhelmed 10-man Chelsea and emphatically ended the 14-match unbeaten start to Thomas Tuchel’s tenure at Stamford Bridge.

The Baggies were as brilliant as the Blues, who had Thiago Silva sent off in the 29th minute, were abject.

The result moves the 19th-placed side to within seven points of 17th-placed Newcastle, and even if they do not manage the improbable and escape relegation, they will look back on this day with great pride.

Sam Allardyce’s men were outstanding on the counter-attack and each of their goals was of high quality.

Chelsea took an undeserved lead in the 27th minute when Christian Pulisic followed up after Marcos Alonso’s free-kick came off the post. However, two minutes later Chelsea’s day started to take a turn for the worse when Thiago was shown a second yellow for a rash challenge on Okay Yokuslu.

That was followed by a horror show in first-half stoppage time as Pereira took centre stage. The Brazilian’s first effort was a cute finish over Edouard Mendy before he finished off a gorgeous move with a low strike between three defenders. In between those goals, Matt Phillips produced a strike that came off the woodwork.

West Brom then went for the jugular as substitute Robinson made it 3-1 with a sensational side-foot volley before Mbaye Diagne finished off a sweet move with an even sweeter strike.

England midfielder Mason Mount, brought on at half-time, tapped in to reduce the deficit but the Baggies resisted other Chelsea threats before Robinson capped off a great day for the visitors with a clipped finish.

Thomas Tuchel’s unbeaten run stretched to 12 games as Chelsea were held in a gripping encounter at Leeds.

Despite lacking fans to add edge, both sides were unlucky not to score as they both hit the woodwork and tested their respective keepers.

Leeds almost went behind when Luke Ayling’s clearance hit team-mate Diego Llorente and looped over keeper Illan Meslier to hit the bar before Eduoard Mendy tipped Tyler Roberts’ chip onto the same part of his goal.

Mendy also saved well from Raphinha’s effort to deny Leeds, who avoided a third straight defeat.

Kai Havertz wasted two good chances for the visitors as his Premier League goal drought continued, but he impressed overall in an advanced role.

While Tuchel will be disappointed his side did not claim victory to move about third-placed Leicester, his side were given a stern test.

And his run of 10 Premier League games unbeaten since the start of a new managers’ reign is second only to Nottingham Forest’s Frank Clark and Chelsea’s Maurizio Sarri.

Leeds, who have only one won of their last six games, were dealt a blow in the first half when they lost top scorer Patrick Bamford to injury in front of the watching England boss Gareth Southgate.

Emphatic finishes from Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso gave Thomas Tuchel his first victory as Chelsea head coach against a below-par Burnley.

Captain Azpilicueta – the longest-serving player in the team – drilled Callum Hudson-Odoi’s lay-off high past Nick Pope just before half-time in the Premier League encounter at Stamford Bridge.

Azpilicueta’s fellow Spanish defender Alonso added a classy second late on, skilfully controlling a Christian Pulisic cross before lashing a volley over Pope at his near post.

The impressive Hudson-Odoi was unlucky not to score in between with a shot that was deflected on to a post by Burnley defender Erik Pieters.

Chelsea comfortably registered a second successive clean sheet under Tuchel, whose first game was the midweek goalless draw with Wolves, as Burnley did not manage a shot on target.

The only downside for Tuchel was Timo Werner’s failure to score for a 12th league game as Chelsea climbed three places to seventh in the table, while Burnley remain 15th.

Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea reign got off to a frustrating start as Wolves secured a point in a drab stalemate at Stamford Bridge.

Tuchel, appointed boss on Tuesday following the sacking of Frank Lampard, took his place in the dugout after conducting one training session with his new team.

But the German was given an indication of the huge challenge facing him as his new team struggled to carve out chances against a Wolves side short of confidence and without a top-flight win since 15 December.

Rui Patricio produced good saves to keep out Antonio Rudiger’s header and Callum Hudson-Odoi’s deflected attempt, while Chelsea’s 433 successful passes were the most by a Tuchel team in the first half of a top-flight game since May 2016.

Ben Chilwell sent a rare chance over the bar but Wolves, who hit the bar through Pedro Neto and gave a debut to striker Willian Jose, were good value for their point.

Chelsea have appointed former Paris St-Germain boss Thomas Tuchel as their new manager on an 18-month contract with an option to extend it.

He won two league titles, the French Cup and the French League Cup at PSG.

“I cannot wait to meet my new team and compete in the most exciting league in football. I am grateful to be part of the Chelsea family,” Tuchel, 47, said.

Chelsea sacked Frank Lampard on Monday after 18 months in charge, following a run of one win in five league matches.

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

The German becomes the 11th full-time manager appointed by Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich since the billionaire bought the club in 2003.

Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia described Tuchel as “one of Europe’s best coaches” adding that “there is still much to play for and much to achieve, this season and beyond”.

He will be in the dugout at Stamford Bridge for Wednesday’s Premier League meeting with Wolves (18:00 GMT).

Tuchel will not be exempt from coronavirus quarantine rules but will be granted an exemption by the Football Association to attend matches and training should he test negative before entering the UK, and then do so once again to enter a Premier League club’s bubble.

Outside those environments, he will have to serve a quarantine period of five days.

Former Chelsea midfielder Lampard, the club’s all-time record goalscorer, had his final game in charge on Sunday, a 3-1 FA Cup fourth-round win against Luton.

He was appointed on a three-year contract when he replaced Maurizio Sarri at Stamford Bridge in July 2019 and guided Chelsea to fourth place and the FA Cup final in his first season as boss.

A 3-1 win against Leeds in early December put the club top of the Premier League, but five defeats in their past eight league games have left the Blues ninth in table.

Former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino is the main contender to take over at Paris St-Germain after Thomas Tuchel was sacked.

It is understood PSG’s players have been told that the Argentine, 48, will be joining the club.

Talks between PSG and Pochettino started at least two weeks ago.

Earlier, BBC Sport’s Simon Stone reported that Tuchel, 47, was sacked hours after he took charge of Wednesday’s 4-0 win against Strasbourg.

The French club are yet to confirm the German’s dismissal.

Tuchel became the Ligue 1 side’s boss in June 2018, winning two league titles, the French Cup and French League Cup.

They also reached the Champions League final for the first time last season, losing 1-0 to Bayern Munich.

Former Borussia Dortmund coach Tuchel’s contract was set to expire at the end of this season.

He joined the Parisian club in May 2018 on an initial two-year contract after replacing Spaniard Unai Emery, agreeing a one-year extension in May 2019.

PSG are currently third in Ligue 1, a point behind leaders Lyon, while they are also through to the last 16 of the Champions League, where they will face Barcelona.

Wednesday’s victory over Strasbourg moved the reigning champions to within a point of both Lyon and second-placed Lille as the Ligue 1 season heads into a two-week winter break.

Pochettino, who led Spurs to the Champions League final in 2019 where they lost to Liverpool, has been linked regularly with the PSG job in recent months.

He played for PSG between 2001 and 2003, and has been without a job since leaving Spurs in November 2019.

The former Southampton boss joined Spurs in 2014 and guided them to the League Cup final in his first full season while two third-placed finishes sandwiched a runners-up spot in the Premier League in 2017.

PSG have been linked with a January loan move for Tottenham’s Dele Alli, who made his Premier League debut under Pochettino.

Paris St-Germain have sacked German manager Thomas Tuchel.

Tuchel took over the Ligue 1 side in June 2018, winning two league titles, the French Cup and French League Cup.

They also reached the Champions League final for the first time last season, losing 1-0 to Bayern Munich.

PSG are currently third in Ligue 1, a point behind leaders Lyon, while they are also through to the last 16 of the Champions League, where they will face Barcelona.

Tuchel’s sacking came hours after the 47-year-old took charge of Wednesday’s 4-0 home win against Strasbourg.

The victory moved the reigning champions within a point of both Lyon and second-placed Lille as the Ligue 1 season heads into a two-week winter break.

Former Borussia Dortmund coach Tuchel’s contract was set to expire at the end of this season.

He joined the Parisian club in May 2018 on an initial two-year contract after replacing Spaniard Unai Emery, agreeing a one-year extension in May 2019.

Former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has been linked regularly with the PSG job in recent months.

The 48-year-old Argentine, who played for PSG between 2001 and 2003, has been without a job since leaving Spurs in November 2019.

Neymar celebrated his upcoming 28th birthday with a lavish party at Parisian nightclub Yoyo on Sunday.

Paris St-Germain manager Thomas Tuchel skipped the white-themed party under the Palais de Tokyo, after branding it “a distraction”, with the event coming just two days before their next game.

It appeared to be a sentiment not shared by the Brazilian’s team-mates and celebrity pals, however, with Edinson Cavani, Marco Verratti and Angel di Maria embracing the dress code and injured Lyon winger Memphis Depay sporting a pair of £1,200 boots.

All white on the night (left to right): Memphis Depay, Angel di Maria, Edinson Cavani and Marco Verratti

Serial party host Neymar is well known for his extravagant get-togethers, but it was reported that Neymar would rein in his celebrations this year before his actual birthday on Wednesday.

He threw a ‘Nuit Rouge’ themed event for his 27th birthday for around 200 guests, while he welcomed in his 26th birthday with a black tie event attended by Lewis Hamilton and the president of Brazil.

Sunday’s bash came a day after PSG’s bad-tempered 5-0 victory against Montpellier, that was notable for incidents involving a pink-haired Neymar and team-mate Kylian Mbappe.

Neymar shrugged off an injury scare, taunted the opposition with his signature tricks and raged at the officials.

Mbappe, 21, reacted angrily to being substituted midway through the second half.

“These are distractions, and they give the impression we are not serious, not professional,” said Tuchel, in his post-match comments when discussing Neymar’s party.

But on Tuesday, he denied he had a personal issue with Neymar.

“It’s my choice not to participate in the party,” Tuchel said. “It’s a choice as a coach; it’s not against Neymar personally.”

Mbappe appeared to skip the party all together, instead opting to watch the Kansas City Chiefs win the Super Bowl after attending an event at Disneyland Paris.

Maybe he couldn’t find anything white to wear…

Kylian Mbappe posted images of himself enjoying the Super Bowl on his Instagram account