CHELSEA’S latest ‘revolution’ has begun after appointing their 15th manager of the 17-year Roman Abramovich era.
Thomas Tuchel was unable to have an instant impact as the Blues laboured to a 0-0 stalemate with Wolves at Stamford Bridge last night.
How Chelsea could line up next season
Erling Haaland has been on fire for Borussia DortmundCredit: Getty Images – Getty
But Rome wasn’t built in a day, and the German will hope to put his own stamp on the squad in the summer – even if his 18-month contract doesn’t suggest he’ll be sticking around for long.
Chelsea raided the Bundesliga for two of its finest talents last summer in Timo Werner and Kai Havertz.
And while those two moves haven’t exactly worked out as of yet, Tuchel could try and raid his former league for more of its posterboys.
Top of his wishlist is believed to be Borussia Dortmund superstar Erling Haaland.
The 20-year-old has scarcely stopped scoring since joining Tuchel’s former side 12 months ago – bagging 37 goals in 37 games since.
And he could provide a new focal point up front, with last night’s starter Olivier Giroud likely to leave in the summer.
Edouard Mendy will continue to be Tuchel’s No1 goalkeeper, but the new boss is likely to try and shake up his defence.
Tuchel could use a three-at-the-back system
Dayot Upamecano is set to be available in the summerCredit: AFP or licensors
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Whether utilising a back three in a 3-4-2-1 formation as he did last night, or reverting to a 4-2-3-1 or even 4-2-2-2, Tuchel will change up the personnel.
The Blues have been linked with RB Leipzig star Dayot Upamecano, who will be available for just £38million in the summer.
They will have to beat off interest from the likes of Bayern Munich and Manchester United for the Frenchman, who would slot nicely into their defence.
Thiago Silva is likely to give them another year, while Kurt Zouma has progressed excellently this campaign.
Reece James could reclaim his place from Cesar Azpilicueta, while Ben Chilwell can fill a left wing-back role nicely.
The Blues are likely to try and sign soon-to-be out-of-contract Bayern Munich stalwart David Alaba on a free transfer, although Real Madrid appear to be in the driving seat.
David Alaba is an ambitious target for the BluesCredit: EPA
Haaland’s summer arrival would spell bad news for Timo WernerCredit: Rex Features
If they can nab the Austrian, however, they will gain an elite and versatile footballer, who could play at centre-back, full-back or even in midfield.
Tuchel will hope to get the best out of N’Golo Kante, while last season’s Player of the Year Mateo Kovacic vies for a place with Mason Mount.
Hakim Ziyech showed glimpses of his extraordinary left foot last night and should be a mainstay, while Tuchel is unlikely to give up on under-performing £70million summer recruit Kai Havertz.
Christian Pulisic and Callum Hudson-Odoi could vie for a place on the left side, despite the American having largely played on the right for Tuchel at Dortmund.
And Haaland’s arrival could spell bad news for Werner, who has struggled badly for goals and confidence of late.
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Thomas Tuchel reacts to his first game in charge as Chelsea draw with Wolves
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
