It has been exactly one year since Thomas Tuchel took over reigns at Chelsea, guiding them to the Champions League in the very first season – a feat even current Roma coach Jose Mourinho couldn’t achieve, when he first took charge of the Blues in the 2004/05 season.
The Special One, as he later termed himself after the extremely impressive first season at Stamford Bridge, has been drawn in the same breath as the current Chelsea coach, according to one of his former players.
Joe Cole, who played an important part in Mourinho’s ranks initially at the club, has praised the ex-Nerazzurri manager for his tactical prowess and man management skills. He went on to compliment Tuchel, who he believes is doing a similar job.
Speaking to The Sun in an exclusive interview, he said:
“Barring Mourinho’s first spell, Tuchel has had the biggest impact of anyone managing Chelsea. He is universally loved and respected by everyone at the training ground.
“He is a breath of fresh air. Winning the Champions League is an incredible achievement but it is also about the way he has come in.
Chelsea is a very successful club but it can be turbulent. A lot of managers can buckle under that pressure — even experienced ones.
But the way the players have responded to him has been great. You couldn’t have envisaged a better first year in charge. Thomas is a very smart man who recognized the quality players straight away.
“But he also recognized the soul and style of the club; he understands the history of the club. He gets it.”
Mourinho managed to capture the English Premier League title, along with the League Cup and FA Community Shield in his first season at the club. He managed to win three more titles before moving to Inter and capturing the famous treble only a few years later.