Thomas Tuchel reveals Frank Lampard has messaged to wish him luck at Chelsea

Thomas Tuchel set out his exciting vision for Chelsea on Thursday afternoon as he was unveiled to the world’s media in his first press conference as the club’s new manager. 

Tuchel signed an 18-month contract to take over at Stamford Bridge earlier this week after Frank Lampard was sacked following a woeful run of form that left Chelsea in ninth place in the Premier League.

The German’s first match in charge of the Blues was a goalless draw with Wolves at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night and he was officially unveiled on Thursday.

During his press conference, Tuchel revealed: 

• Predecessor Frank Lampard messaged him to say good luck at the club
• Tuchel wants to tweak midfielder N’Golo Kante’s position to a ‘double six’
• Mason Mount is still a key player, despite being left out against Wolves
• Highly-rated youngster Billy Gilmour will not necessarily go out on loan

Frank Lampard has messaged new Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel to wish him luck in the job

Lampard was sacked earlier this week after a dismal run of form left the club in ninth place

When asked about the reaction to Lampard’s sacking, Tuchel said he hopes it will not lead to anger from the fans and revealed the former boss has already been in touch to wish him luck.

He said: ‘I hope not (backlash from supporters) because that would be hard on the team. 

‘The fans are so close and behind the team, it makes a big difference. I know it was a big disappointment for the fanbase that Frank was sacked and I said before, I have the biggest respect.

‘I was a huge fan of Frank as a player. I had a message to wish me all the best.

‘The club made clear to me this is not my fault, I cannot change the situation for him. 

‘The decision was made and I was handed the opportunity.’ 

The German’s first match in charge was a goalless draw with Wolves at Stamford Bridge

Tuchel is the 11th permanent manager appointed by Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich since the Russian billionaire bought the club back in 2003. 

The German was a serial winner with Paris Saint-Germain in France and knows only trophies will keep him in a job at Stamford Bridge.

He added: ‘The club made it very clear, Chelsea is about results.

‘We always try to bring performance, develop players, improve players, increase their value as well as strong performances.

‘In the end, I am very realistic, I am in a club whose DNA is to win. I am here to challenge for every trophy we play for.

‘This year it is the Champions League and FA Cup, for the Premier League it is not realistic.’ 

Tuchel is a huge admirer of N’Golo Kante and wants to use the Frenchman as a ‘double six’ now

Tuchel revealed earlier this week that he has waited ‘many years’ to work with Kante and outlined his plans for the Frenchman’s position.

He wants to use him as a ‘double six’ with somebody alongside him at the base of midfield, instead of the singular defensive midfield role he has been occupying recently.

Tuchel added: ‘I think he is strongest as a double six.

‘We can use his energy and use his range, volume in his game, his ability to recuperate and recover balls everywhere on the pitch.

‘He is a guy who is a big, big helper for everybody with the potential of a helper, a water carrier but a world class player.’ 

Mount, who captained Chelsea in Lampard’s final game in charge, was the biggest omission from Tuchel’s first line-up.

He also insisted Mason Mount has nothing to worry about after dropping him against Wolves

But the German insists the academy graduate has nothing to worry about, adding: ‘I wanted to take the weight off their shoulders.

‘I wanted to give the responsibility in this special moment to a bit more experienced players and have them on hand.

‘There is nothing to worry about, I like what I see from Mason so far. Such a nice and competitive guy.

‘Every game I have seen so far, Mason cares for Chelsea, 100 per cent. This is the best basis for a big development.

‘I am very happy to have him around, I will not stop pushing him and guiding him.’ 

More to follow.