So, here we go again. After many expected the summer of 2019 to be a catalyst for the move to Chelsea, where the man in charge had a long period of time to rebuild the team at his own pace, in the end Frank Lampard’s tenure lasted just 18 months. .
Now there is a new man in charge, former PSG and Borussia Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel, who has been unemployed for just over a month after his resignation from the Ligue 1 champion on Christmas Eve.
With a team full of talents who are currently fighting for consistency, amid a series of championship wins in five games, Tuchel will need to go to the ground as the Blues seek to reduce the current difference of six points to the top four.
Frank Lampard was replaced as Chelsea coach by Thomas Tuchel in a matter of days
This process begins at home for the Wolves on Wednesday night. However, how different will Tuchel’s first XI starter be compared to Lampard’s most recent team in the league, a team that looked out of ideas and confidence at Leicester last week?
Some will be licking their lips for a new man in charge, you may think, while others may be looking anxiously over their shoulder.
It looks like Mason Mount will be the first victim of Tuchel’s reign, with the English giving up in favor of Callum Hudson-Odoi against Wolves tonight.
Sportsmail take a look at which members of the main team could be the winners and losers of Tuchel’s appointment as coach at Stamford Bridge on an 18-month contract.
Tuchel was introduced on Tuesday and his first match will be against Wolves on Wednesday night
WINNERS
Timo Werner
The Germany international, hired to solve Chelsea’s goal problems last season, faced a torrid first six months in England.
Although he scored twice against Southampton to open his Premier League account on October 17, things only got worse from there. Two goals in 14 league games since then, with Tammy Abraham and Olivier Giroud preferring the attack as a result.
However, after playing in an unfavorable position on the left wing, Werner will certainly have an expanded opportunity as the only shirt nine under Tuchel. One thing is certain: if the arrival of one of the most talented German coaches is not the beginning of Werner’s Chelsea career, what will he do?
Timo Werner has not fired since moving to Chelsea – will Tuchel get the best of him?
Kai Havertz
Likewise, the former Bayer star Leverkusen has struggled to exert his influence since his arrival at £ 90 million last summer.
In his defense, some factors worked against him, with a COVID-19 fight and problems with injuries that hinder consistency. The 21-year-old should also have time to acclimate to a new league and country.
However, patience lasts only to some extent on Stamford Bridge, as shown this week. Tuchel’s arrival could bring Havertz to Chelsea, whether this season or in 2021-22.
Kai Havertz has also been fighting for form since the £ 90m transfer from Bayer Leverkusen last year
Callum Hudson-Odoi
The 20-year-old’s lack of entitlements under Lampard, only three in the league all season, is curious due to his raw ability and talent to turn the tide.
His introduction against West Brom in September helped trigger a 3-0 revival, while he was also brilliant as a substitute in Lampard’s last league win at the helm against Fulham.
With Tuchel undoubtedly looking to freshen things up amid the obsolete Blues attack, Hudson-Odoi could benefit from the German’s arrival in West London. And, in fact, that seems to be the case instantly with the young Englishman ready to go straight to Wolves in a right side position.
Callum Hudson-Odoi was not a regular in Lampard’s starting eleven and is set to play another role
Jorginho
Tuchel would be interested in a loan to take the Italian international to PSG in September and is an admirer of the midfielder’s attributes.
Although the change has obviously not materialized, Jorginho has only made eight league appearances so far this season and could be given a prominent role under the new coach, perhaps instead of Mateo Kovacic or Billy Gilmour.
Tuchel is a tough taskmaster and will want players dedicated to the cause and prepared for the hard yards – Jorginho falls into this category.
Tuchel was reportedly interested in bringing Jorginho during his tenure at PSG
Antonio Rudiger
Originally paralyzed by Lampard earlier this season, the German international made his debut in three of Chelsea’s last four league games while seeking to seal a spot in Joachim Low’s team for this summer’s European Championship.
Highly regarded in his homeland, Tuchel’s PSG was considered a stakeholder for the 27-year-old in the summer.
Although Kurt Zouma has surpassed Lampard’s command, the new coach may want to return to the experience in the first few weeks in office. Rudiger should have his chance to shine.
German international Antonio Rudiger (center) can start under the command of his compatriot
LOST
Billy Gilmour
The 19-year-old was the big breakthrough star during Lampard’s time at the club, with his impressive first month as a starter before the blockade was interrupted by a serious knee injury.
Although he joined the fray again last month, whether Tuchel will place as much faith as Lampard in Gilmour’s development is another question.
Although the new boss is aware of the Scotsman’s bravery and quality in the midfield, does he have the stamina and resources to get into an early XI worker Tuchel? There have already been reports that Gilmour could leave on loan before the end of the month.
Billy Gilmour joined the main team, but will his progression stall now?
Mason Mount
Arguably the best Chelsea player so far this season, the England international was a pillar of Lampard’s command – often to the point of unfair ridicule on social media.
There is no doubt that Mount would be extremely unlucky to lose his place in the starting eleven under the new regime … but it seems to be exactly the case 24 hours after Tuchel entered the door.
It has been revealed that he will leave the team against Wolves tonight, despite being one of Chelsea’s stars this season and now also a regular in his country.
The fact is that one of Tuchel’s immediate tasks will be to get expensive purchases from last summer dismissed, with Havertz at the top of the list. Unless one is played out of position, the pair is unlikely to be in the same starting XI.
Mason Mount was the team captain in Lampard’s final game, but now he may face a reduced role
Tammy Abraham
After numerous loans, the striker had his big break on the bridge under Lampard last season.
His return was admirable – 18 goals in all competitions, including 15 in the league. However, for Chelsea, it was not enough. Werner came in and was expected to take Abraham’s place on the team.
It is a credit to the Englishman to have participated in 16 of the 19 league games so far and to have just emerged from an FA Cup hat-trick. But, like Mount, Abraham’s chances in regular football can be undermined if, as expected , Tuchel persevered with Werner from the beginning.
If Tuchel perseveres with Werner, Tammy Abraham’s opportunities will be limited again
Thiago Silva
It will be fascinating to see what the role of the Brazilian veteran is in the Tuchel squad, with the duo, of course, working together at PSG.
More than that, Silva was the captain of Tuchel. So you would think that the partnership would be strong and the 35-year-old man would be someone to trust.
However, after Tuchel left PSG last month, Silva gave an interview in which he described the German’s removal as ‘predictable’. Did Tuchel find this disrespectful?
Silva was well liked by Lampard and vice versa, as illustrated by the fact that the central defender was the first player to react publicly to Lampard’s departure from his coaching role. Would he now be at a disadvantage with a Tuchel makeover?
Thiago Silva was Tuchel’s captain at PSG – but has the pair’s relationship gone sour since then?
Kurt Zouma
The Frenchman, having originally signed for the club in 2014, had finally solidified a starting position at Bridge this season.
Zouma seemed dominant and secure in general – but much like Mount, could the 26-year-old just be left to shake things up?
Although Fikayo Tomori left on loan, Andreas Christensen has been waiting behind the scenes for some action from the first team and with Rudiger regaining his central defense post, Zouma may be the only one to pave the way.
Kurt Zouma has been a regular under Lampard this season – his position is yet to be seen