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      Thomas Tuchel claims he’s enjoyed ‘easy’ start at Chelsea after being welcomed with open arms

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      THOMAS TUCHEL has admitted he has had ‘an easy start’ to life at Chelsea.
      A 1-0 victory at London rivals Tottenham means that the German boss in still undefeated since taking over from Frank Lampard.

      Thomas Tuchel says he has been welcomed with ‘open arms’ at ChelseaCredit: AFP

      And while he will look to get his side creating more chance going forward, there is renewed optimism around Stamford Bridge.
      Speaking after Jorginho’s penalty was enough to see off Spurs, Tuchel told BT Sport: “We are super happy about the result.
      “It was a tough game against a strong opponent but we did very well and controlled the game well.
      “It was a good first half. In the second half we lost more of the possession and the distances in the passing were too long.

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      “If you play against a quality team you have to accept there are moments you have to suffer. We defended very actively and brave.
      “We were looking for a second goal desperately as that would have killed the game.
      “I’m happy with the spirit and the attitude in defending. A very solid team performance and a deserved win.”
      Much has been made about Tuchel’s coaching methods, and he has admitted he will use various formations and players depending on the opponent.

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      Chelsea have now won seven points from nine available and are undefeated under TuchelCredit: Getty – Pool

      But he is in relaxed mood going forward and is delighted to how things have started.
      He added: “It’s not about my methods. I’m happy with the attitude, the squad, the potential.
      “They are fine guys, it’s a nice group and they are open. It’s a pleasure to be around them.
      “We have a lot of support in the whole club. It was a quick start but an easy one because I feel very welcome.”
      His rival on the touchline Mourinho stoked the pre-match mind games by saying that managing Chelsea ‘is not a difficult job’.
      And Tuchel has started in the role well enough to suggest he could repeat Mourinho’s own haul of trophies won in his time with the West Londoners.
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

      Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel asks reporter if he’s at the wrong press conference More

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      Top free agent XI Premier League clubs can STILL sign including ex-Chelsea stars Diego Costa and Ramires

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      THE January transfer window is over with Premier League clubs now unable to bring in any new faces until July 1.
      That is, unless they’re willing to take a punt on a free agent.

      The best available free agent XI following the January transfer window

      Diego Costa is the biggest name still in free agency after he was released by Atletico Madrid on December 29.
      The likes of Jack Wilshere, Shinji Kagawa and Mario Mandzukic all found news homes having been unattached from last summer until January.
      But there are a host of former Premier League winners, Champions League conquerors and useful veterans still up for grabs.
      We take a look at the best XI…

      GK – Danijel Subasic

      Ex-Monaco and Croatia man Subasic is a big-name free agent in the goalkeeping departmentCredit: Getty – Contributor
      THE Croatian stopper was a key cog in Monaco’s incredible rise to the top of French football in the 2010s.
      After joining in 2012, Subasic immediately helped them gain promotion to Ligue 1 after winning the second-tier crown.
      The 44-cap international was also a crucial part of the team who famously beat Paris Saint-Germain to the 2016-17 Ligue 1 crown – and was named Goalkeeper of the Year that season.
      He was also in goal as Croatia knocked England out of the 2018 World Cup at the semi-final stage.

      However, Subasic, 36, was released last summer after eight-and-a-half years at the club and has been unable to find a new club since.
      RB – Cuco Martina

      Ex-Southampton and Everton right-back is currently unattachedCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      THE Curacao right-back, 31, played 45 Premier League games across five years at Southampton and Everton.
      But after joining the Toffees, Martina was shipped off on loan to Stoke and Feyenoord.
      Martina was released last summer and is still unattached.
      CB – Ezequiel Garay

      Ex-Real Madrid and Valencia ace Ezequiel Garay is available on a freeCredit: Reuters
      THE former Real Madrid star was released by Valencia after a four-year stint at the end of last season.
      The ex-Argentina international, 34, has previously played for Benfica and Zenit in Europe but is still yet to find a new home in 2020-21.
      CB – Martin Skrtel

      Martin Skrtel is available for nothing with the ex-Liverpool man currently injuredCredit: Reuters
      THE Liverpool icon and 104-cap Slovakia veteran is currently a free agent after he was released by Istanbul Basaksehir having suffered a season-ending Achilles injury.
      Skrtel, 36, spent nine years at Anfield before stints at Fenerbahce and Atalanta.
      Clubs can now sign the centre-back on a free with a view to having him fit and ready for the 2021-22 season.
      LB – Pape Souare

      Ex-Crystal Palace star Pape Souare is also available on a free transferCredit: Getty – Contributor
      FORMER Crystal Palace defender Souare has been without a club since leaving Troyes last summer.
      Prior to that, the Senegal international, 30, had spent four years at Selhurst Park having joined from Lille.
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      CM – Ramires

      Former Chelsea man Ramires is a free agent after leaving PalmeirasCredit: Reuters
      THE Brazilian midfielder, 33, is a free agent after leaving Brazilian giants Palmeiras in November just one year into a four-year deal.
      Prior to that, Ramires spent six years at Chelsea – helping them to the 2011-12 Champions League title and 2014-15 Premier League crown – before his shock move to Chinese Super League side Jiangsu Suning.
      CM – Joe Ledley

      Joe Ledley is a free agent after his spell in Australia came to an endCredit: Rex Features
      THE 77-cap Wales international, 34, is a free agent after his short-term deal at A-League side Newcastle Jets expired.
      Prior to his stint Down Under, Ledley turned out for Cardiff, Celtic, Crystal Palace and Derby before a brief stint at Charlton.
      RW – Daniel Sturridge

      Daniel Sturridge has been without a club since March 2020 after being released by TranzonsporCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      THE former Liverpool striker has been a free agent since being let go by Turkish side Trabzonspor in March 2020.
      Ex-England star Sturridge, 31, had been on the radar of Sheffield United last summer – but they opted to bring in Rhian Brewster instead.
      In September, Sturridge was seen training with eighth-tier Kidsgrove Athletic in a bid to stay fit.
      The ex-Chelsea and Manchester City star later revealed he would pay ‘any amount’ of money to finally be free of his injury woes.
      But he too is still yet to find a new club with his career on the line.
      LW – Ahmed Musa

      Ahmed Musa hasn’t played since being released by Al-Nassr in OctoberCredit: Reuters
      MUSA joined Leicester in the summer immediately after their famous 2015-16 Premier League title win.
      But after struggling mightily, Musa was loaned to his former club CSKA Moscow before being sold to Al-Nassr for good.
      Musa, still only 28, was released by the Saudi Arabian side in October and has been unable to find a new suitor since.
      ST – Wilfried Bony

      Wilfried Bony is a free agent after his release from Al-IttihadCredit: Reuters
      AFTER starring for Swansea between 2013 and 2015, the Ivorian has found it hard to settle at any one club.
      Bony, 32, moved to Manchester City but scored just six Premier League goals before being loaned to Stoke and sold back to Swansea for good.
      With just three league goals in two years back in Wales, Bony was released in 2019 and began training with Newport.
      In 2020, he joined Saudi side Al-Ittihad but had his contract terminated by mutual consent after just ten months and has been a free agent since November.
      ST – Diego Costa

      Diego Costa was released by Atletico Madrid in December and is available for nothingCredit: PA:Press Association
      THE Spaniard’s third spell at Atletico Madrid was ended on December 29, 2020 with the club keen to make room for Moussa Dembele, who joined on loan from Lyon.
      Costa, still only 32, was already behind Luis Suarez and Alvaro Morata in the pecking order at the LaLiga leaders.
      The former Chelsea star is now able to link up with any club for free – with an unnamed ‘top six’ Premier League club rumoured to be interested after he turned down a £43,000-a-week deal at Trabzonspor.
      Alexandre Pato, Oumar Niasse and Yaya Sanogo are just three other big-name strikers still up for grabs.

      The top Premier League transfers from deadline day More

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      Frank Lampard ‘was among a group of Chelsea players who rang up media to get Villas-Boas SACKED’, claims Gary Neville

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      GARY NEVILLE has explosively suggested Frank Lampard was part of a group of Chelsea players who called the media in a bid to get Andre Villas-Boas sacked in 2012.
      Ex-Blues star Lampard, 42, was sacked by the Stamford Bridge club just 18 months into his three-year contract.

      Gary Neville has claimed Frank Lampard was part of a group of Chelsea players who helped get Andre Villas-Boas sackedCredit: PA:Empics Sport

      Neville has explosively lifted the lid on Lampard’s role in AVB’s downfallCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Many were surprised the ex-Derby boss wasn’t given more time to succeed after over-performing in 2019-20.
      But Neville has claimed Lampard shouldn’t be shocked as he knows how Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich operates – even suggesting the fallen boss contributed to Villas-Boas’ downfall in 2012.
      Speaking on The Gary Neville Podcast, the ex-England right-back claimed: “[Lampard’s sacking] wasn’t really a shock.
      “I thought initially he would get more time, just to let them settle in but you can’t be surprised by Chelsea.

      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge
      “I go back to Napoli eight or nine years ago, when Villas-Boas had picked a team in the afternoon of a Champions League game.
      “He left out Frank Lampard, Michael Essien and another big player at that time. 
      “I remember Chelsea players at that time ringing up members of the media and trying to get him out.

      “Frank was part of that group. 
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      “It has been really a brutal football club for managers for many, many years.
      “Lampard has suffered that brutality last week, so he should be the least of all surprised because he has been at the club when Villas-Boas was sacked, Scolari, and all the rest of them have come and gone.”
      A representative for Lampard declined to comment after being approached by SunSport.
      Villas-Boas lasted just nine months at Chelsea having joined from Porto – sacked midway through his debut season.
      The Portuguese boss won just 19 of his 40 games in charge before being dismissed in March 2012, before taking over at Tottenham that summer.
      Neville went on to say Lampard should remain ‘pragmatic’ over his sacking – claiming all axed Chelsea bosses believes they deserve more time.
      The former Manchester United star continued: “He will be hurt and disappointed.
      “But I hope he is pragmatic about it in the sense that it’s not a reflection upon him.
      “Every manager at Chelsea gets sacked before they think they should.
      “They don’t get the time they think they should. That’s what happens.
      “It is a club that has a model that has worked and he knows that model.
      “It is harsh but it’s not harsh at Chelsea because that is what Chelsea do.”

      Abramovich is claimed to have never spoken directly to Lampard during his 18-month stay as bossCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Neville went on to say Lampard is in a privileged position of being well ahead of his peers at this stage of his career.
      He added: “For me, I never shed a tear for Frank the other day.
      “Sometimes I feel sorry for managers, but I think Frank has had a massive experience.
      “He has had a great experience at Derby, he has had a great experience at Chelsea…
      “Where he is at now in his managerial career, he is a lot further ahead than most English managers have been, and that’s a real positive.”
      Lampard was awarded £2million in compensation after his sacking.
      And it’s since been claimed Abramovich never directly spoke to Lampard during his 18-month stay, viewing him as a ‘stop-gap’ manager.
      Former Paris Saint-Germain boss Thomas Tuchel is now in charge, leading Chelsea to a 0-0 draw against Wolves in his first game before masterminding a 2-0 win over Burnley on Sunday.

      Lampard only received a measly £2million Chelsea pay-off as Abramovich’s compensation bill for sacked bosses hits £112m More

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      Chelsea owner Abramovich ‘writes to players for first time vowing to put funds towards ending racist social media abuse’

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      ROMAN ABRAMOVICH has written to every single Chelsea player for the first time ever vowing to put money towards ending racial abuse on social media.
      Last week, Blues star Reece James, 21, revealed he had been subjected to sick racist abuse and demanded: ‘Something needs to change’.

      Abramovich has vowed to use his wealth to help combat social media racismCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Abramovich sent a letter to every Chelsea player vowing to help end racist abuse on social media

      Now Russian billionaire Abramovich has sent a letter to each and every Chelsea player vowing to make funds available to help combat vile trolls.
      Abramovich wrote: “I am appalled by the racist abuse targeted at Reece on social media.
      “Racism has no place in our club nor in our society.
      “Our club is committed to fighting racism, antisemitism and all forms of discrimination.”

      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge
      In the letter, as reported by the Daily Mail, Abramovich continued: “We cannot allow this to continue unchecked.
      “I have therefore directed the board to further increase the club’s efforts in this area and I will personally direct more funds towards this important work. 
      “We will be setting out our actions as a club in the coming days.”

      In a horrifying week, Manchester United trio Marcus Rashford, Axel Tuanzebe and Anthony Martial were all racially abused on social media after two separate matches.

      Reece James was targeted by vile racists last weekCredit: PA:Press Association

      Tuanzebe and Martial revealed they were trolled after the 2-1 loss against Sheffield United, while Rashford spoke up following the 0-0 draw with Arsenal.
      Culture secretary Oliver Dowden has warned social media giants they face massive fines if they do not clamp down on racist abuse of footballers.
      Dowden hosted the first ’round table’ racism summit with stars including Jordan Henderson, Tyrone Mings and SunSport columnist Troy Deeney last week.
      But since then a series of sickening incidents have seen Rashford, Martial, Tuanzebe, James and West Brom’s Romaine Sawyers all targeted by racist trolls.
      Now Dowden has made it clear that enough is enough and vowed to make the social media companies pay if they do not police themselves properly.
      Dowden told talkSPORT: “At the meeting the first thing that came across was just how unacceptable this is.
      “It’s perfectly reasonable for players to engage on social media as part of doing their job as footballers and communicating with their fans.
      “But they were telling me the price of that is racist abuse and that is the sort of abuse they cannot get away from.
      “It is on their mobile phones and they saw it first thing in the morning and last thing at night.
      “That made me more determined and we need to take some action in relation to it.”

      Man Utd stars Rashford and Martial are just two players to have been racially abused on social media in the past week aloneCredit: AFP
      Dowden promised upcoming legislation would ensure the social media companies were ‘held to account’ for their actions.
      He added: “I can tell you we are going to hold them to account with this new legislation.
      “If they don’t up their game we will enforce their own duty of care terms to people who use their platforms and they could face very large fines of up to ten per cent of their global revenue.
      “There is a new age of global accountability required for social media companies.
      “It is perfectly reasonable to say that they need to up their game and not allow racist abuse to fester on their platforms.
      “And if they fail to do so they will face consequences and serious fines.”

      Solskjaer slams ‘disgusting’ racist abuse of Man Utd duo Axel Tuanzebe and Anthony Martial on social media More

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      Chelsea boss Frank Lampard paid price for Werner and Havertz struggles… but bosses aren’t the ones picking transfers

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      WHEN you spend millions on players and they don’t hit the ground running, there’s only one person who carries the can.
      Frank Lampard is the latest example after being sacked by Chelsea this week, when Roman Abramovich pressed the panic button yet again.

      Frank Lampard was sacked in part due to the failings of his summer buys – but they weren’t his fault, says Harry RedknappCredit: Alamy Live News

      Managers are barely responsible for transfers any more, according RedknappCredit: Rex Features

      But anyone thinking the manager is the one responsible for the big-money signings these days has the wrong idea of modern football. That’s not how it works any more.
      Years ago of course they would be the one scouting players, watching them play, basically doing the deals. Not now, though.
      These days it is pretty much all down to the head of recruitment, which means you are relying on someone else’s judgment.
      Chelsea spent fortunes on new players and as manager you’re under pressure — not only to play them — but for them also to be an instant success.

      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge
      When they don’t, like the two Germans Timo Werner and Kai Havertz, then the buck stops with the boss.
      But I’m sure Frank isn’t the one behind all the signings Chelsea have made.
      I’d say the only one he was mad keen on getting was Ben Chilwell. That’s how crazy the game has become.

      I listened to Jurgen Klopp the other day — together with Pep Guardiola one of the two most powerful managers in the world — being asked about Liverpool signing a new centre-back.
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      Kai Havertz and Timo Werner, not pictured, played a role in Lampard’s sackingCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Klopp said he didn’t know, it wasn’t his department. This is one of the top, top managers anywhere in the game and he didn’t know?
      It shows what football has now become. The most important man in the building is whoever is in charge of recruitment.
      And if his judgment isn’t good, you’re in trouble.
      As a manager it is impossible to go and see players like we would in the past.
      You’re playing Saturday, Tuesday or Wednesday and then Saturday again. There’s very little chance.
      And although you need time to build, you very rarely get it. Not at Chelsea, and that’s very sad — not because it’s Frank, I’d say the same whoever was in charge and wherever it was.
      But as wrong as I think the decision was, I’d be surprised if he didn’t have an inkling of what was going to happen.
      Certainly more idea than I did when I got the sack at Tottenham in 2012. That one came right out of the blue.
      We finished fourth, and although we missed out on the Champions League because Chelsea won it, it never entered my mind that I could be out.
      I had a year left on my contract and there were talks planned about an extension, so when they said they’d decided to go in another direction it was a massive surprise.

      Timo Werner’s horror start to life at Chelsea certainly didn’t help LampardCredit: Rex Features

      Thomas Tuchel has taken over from Frank Lampard as Chelsea bossCredit: Reuters
      The first signs something might not be right came as I was leaving the ground after the last game of the season — and Jan Vertonghen was walking in.
      I’d been to watch Vertonghen a couple of times and was quite keen on him, so thought it was a bit odd that they would sneak him in without telling me. That was why!
      I didn’t get any excuse other than Spurs wanted to make a change but it would all have been agreed with the next fella beforehand — just as it always is.
      When Mauricio Pochettino left, Jose Mourinho was in the next day, and he didn’t suddenly agree and sign a multi-million pound contract in ten minutes.
      So the deal with Thomas Tuchel will have been done and dusted long before last week’s game against Luton. That’s just how it works.
      What I do know is that he’s got a hell of a job on his hands.
      They tell me he’s a great coach but if you manage Paris Saint- Germain then you win the league, it’s as simple as that.
      As disappointing as it is for Frank, I’m sure there will be a good job out there for him in time — Brendan Rodgers is the obvious example for him.
      Brendan was sacked by Liverpool but went away and rebuilt his reputation with Celtic, he is now doing a fantastic job at Leicester.
      If Frank looks at how Rodgers came back after getting the bullet at Liverpool, he’ll know there’s no reason why he can’t do the same.
      As for Tuchel? Well he gives the impression of being on the edge at the best of times — and if any job is going to shove you over the edge, then it’s Chelsea.
      LEICESTER A FOURCE

      Leicester are a force to be reckoned with under Rodgers, says RedknappCredit: AP:Associated Press
      LIKE most people, I can’t see beyond Manchester City or Liverpool when it comes to the likely champions.
      And although Liverpool bounced right back to form at Spurs on Thursday, you have to say City are the ones playing the most impressive football.
      But I’m also sticking to my opinion that this will be one of the most open title races in years, in some ways like a throwback to the 1970s.
      And in terms of excitement, Leicester are up there with anyone else in the Premier League right now — they have been all season.
      I love the way that Rodgers has got them playing and although they miss something when Jamie Vardy is out like now, they look good all over the pitch.
      There is cover just about everywhere and they are in it for the duration.
      They might not win the title again — but anyone who’s backed them to finish top four should expect to collect.
      THUMPING JACK FLASH

      Harry Redknapp was delighted for Jack Wilshere after he scored for Bournemouth earlier in the weekCredit: PA:Press Association
      ONE of the most pleasing things last week was seeing Jack Wilshere score for Bournemouth — I was absolutely delighted for him.
      Jack is a real talent but has been unlucky with injuries or he’d have been one of the great modern-day English midfielders.
      There’s no doubt that if he stays fit, he will be a great signing for Bournemouth.
      With him on the pitch, they’ll have a heck of a chance of going straight back up.
      It still surprises me that no one else was prepared to take a chance and sign him.
      I pictured him doing a real job for an Italian club, for example.
      I know if I was still managing, I’d have snapped him up.
      Anyone who could get him on a pay-as-you-play deal was always getting a bargain.
      Bournemouth got a glimpse of what a player they have on their hands.
      If he steers clear of injuries, Jack will be priceless in getting them promoted.

      Thomas Tuchel reveals Frank Lampard sent him a good luck message as he discusses potential fan backlash More

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      Chelsea steal march on Real Madrid in Haaland and Alaba double transfer chase amid La Liga giants financial struggles

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      CHELSEA lead Real Madrid in the race to sign both Erling Haaland and David Alaba this summer, according to reports.
      The Blues have been long linked with the in-demand Bundesliga duo, even under Frank Lampard.

      Chelsea are primed to sign Erling Haaland this summer, beating Real Madrid to the punchCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Chelsea are also set to beat Real Madrid to the free singing of David Alaba in JulyCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      But now, with new boss Thomas Tuchel at the helm, Chelsea have been given a boost in their pursuit of Alaba and Haaland.
      According to many reports in Spain in recent months, Real Madrid have ‘agreed’ deals with both players.
      Alaba is claimed to have all-but signed a £240,000 a week offer to join on a free transfer in the summer after Bayern Munich failed to tie him down to a new contract.
      Borussia Dortmund and Madrid are claimed to have a deal in place which allows Haaland to join the Bernabeu giants in the summer of 2022.

      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge
      Los Blancos are hoping to first sign Kylian Mbappe this summer, before bringing Haaland in a year later, at which time his release clause of just £63m will be activated.
      However, Chelsea look set to steal a march on the Spaniards and sign BOTH before Real have a chance, according to AS.
      Haaland is believed to be Tuchel’s No1 transfer target and will therefore not wait until next summer when the Norwegian will be available more cheaply.

      Chelsea are financially one of the most-strong teams in the world, particularly with Real Madrid struggling during the coronavirus pandemic, even forcing players to take wage cuts.

      How Chelsea could line-up for the start of the 2021-22 season

      The Blues could now gazump Madrid and make an offer for Haaland THIS summer.
      An offer of over £100m would likely be required to tempt Dortmund to part with their star man.
      Meanwhile, Chelsea could bring in another elite player in Alaba in the summer.
      Alaba is available on a free after negotiations with Bayern Munich ended, with no chance of a resolution.
      Real Madrid and Manchester City have both been linked.

      But with the Blues itching to sign a new long-term centre-back to partner Kurt Zouma and/or Antonio Rudiger, they could be willing to offer him a monster pay packet.
      Tuchel famously prefers playing a back-three, but lacks world-class players to implement that system.
      Thiago Silva will work for now but, aged 36, won’t be the long-term solution.
      A back-three of Zouma, Rudiger and Alaba would work perfectly and allow Ben Chilwell to keep his spot at left-back – of left-wing-back in this case.
      Dayot Upamecano is another name linked with a move to bolster Chelsea’s back-four under Tuchel.

      Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel reveals he supported Tottenham as a boy because he liked the club’s adventurous name More

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      Tuchel yells out wrong nickname of Chelsea captain Azpilicueta before Pulisic steps in to correct new boss

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      CHRISTIAN PULISIC was only too keen to help out Thomas Tuchel after the new Chelsea boss was involved in an embarrassing nickname mix-up.
      The German arrived at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday on an 18-month contract to replace the axed Frank Lampard.

      Thomas Tuchel was involved in an embarrassing nickname mix-up with Cesar Azpilicueta in his first game in charge

      Fortunately Christian Pulisic was on hand to help out his new boss

      The pair previously worked together at Borussia DortmundCredit: PA:Press Association

      Despite taking charge of training and meeting his new colleagues later that day, he is still understandably getting to know the Blues squad.
      And it became apparent last night during his first game in charge in the stalemate with Wolves that he still has some learning to do.
      But thankfully for him he has his former Dortmund star Pulisic on hand to offer a helping hand.
      Just prior to the second half of the goalless draw getting underway, Tuchel called captain Cesar Azpilicueta over to issue some instructions.

      He was caught on camera yelling ‘Azpli, Azpli’ – with the defender’s actual nickname ‘Azpi’.
      Pulisic, who later came on as a substitute, then quickly sprung into action to ensure Tuchel and Azpilicueta didn’t get off on the wrong foot.
      Cameras caught the American laughing as he explained to his manager his mistake – something the ex-PSG man admitted he was grateful for afterwards.
      Tuchel said: “Christian, for sure, I know very well what he is capable of. He had a big, big input.

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      “It was an unfair decision today for him to not start. I told him it was only because I know what you can bring from the bench because I know you.
      “I don’t know the others and am not sure what the others can do from the bench, but you are a player who can start for us and can absolutely change things for us from the bench. He did amazing.
      “And at half time he told me, ‘Hey coach, you pronounced the name wrong for Azpi!’ He helped me with that.
      “Maybe that was a big help and that is why we love him.”
      Tuchel promoted Pulisic from the Dortmund youth team and handed the then 17-year-old his debut against Ingolstadt in January 2016.
      The attacker became a regular in the side and won the German Cup in 2017 before Tuchel’s departure for PSG.
      Chelsea host Burnley on Sunday in the new man’s second game in charge – which should allow him plenty of time to learn the nicknames of the rest of the Blues squad.
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

      Thomas Tuchel reacts to his first game in charge as Chelsea draw with Wolves More