Despite guiding Chelsea to an FA Cup and Champions League final in his short time as manager, Thomas Tuchel has not forgotten the foundations laid by former boss Frank Lampard.
Tuchel’s transformation of Chelsea has been nothing short of spectacular. The Blues have thrived under the German manager, who took over for Frank Lampard earlier this year and has lost just twice in his nearly three months in charge.
The Englishman took over at Chelsea in 2019 and led the west Londoners to 4th place finish despite a one-year transfer ban. And qualified the Blues to the knock-out phase of the UCL unbeaten in their group. But, days at the dugout were soon numbered following a slump in form.
However, the 47-year-old has given credit to his predecessor for Chelsea’s achievement so far this season, adding that the club only has only fulfilled the job he started.
Tuchel said: “For sure, you can only arrive in a final of the FA Cup or Champions League if you make it through the group stage. And Frank had an amazing record in the group stage of the Champions League and won all the FA Cup games that were there to win too.
“So, this laid the foundation to arrive in the finals, and I will never forget it. We don’t feel ashamed or have any fear to say this out loud. And it felt like this the first day I came in here.
“I’m well aware Frank created his own legacy here at Chelsea as a player and then tried to make it even bigger as a coach. And still it had nothing to do with me, but we are well aware we’ve stepped in for the second half of the season and have tried to fulfil the job he has begun.
“He has one of the biggest legacies, is one of the biggest players and key figures of this club. And he represents everything, when you think about Chelsea, you think about Frank Lampard. The way he is and how he played football, that showed his character.”
Chelsea will face Leicester City at Wembley for the FA Cup final on Saturday and Manchester City in the Champions League final two weeks later.
