Tuchel doubted Chelsea's verdict on firing Lampard before joining them
The German tactician had a great start at Stamford Bridge, winning the Champions League, but he admits he was hesitant about the decision to remove his predecessor.
When
Thomas Tuchel
was considered for the vacant management post at Chelsea last season, he indicated that he disputed the board's decision to fire
Frank Lampard
.
Following a poor start to the 2020-21 season, the German took over as manager at Stamford Bridge and produced a stunning
Champions Leaguesuccess just four months later.
However, before this weekend's
Premier Leaguematch against Arsenal, the former PSG manager revealed that he had concerns about the position - and if the club had made the correct decision to let Lampard leave.
"I actually said to the board, 'are you sure of doing this? Because they will not like you. Maybe he deserves more time,"
Tuchel told Sky Sports News.
"When I think of Chelsea I think about Frank Lampard, John Terry, Petr Cech, Didier Drogba. I think about [Lampard] in the very first moment because he embodies everything that Chelsea is.
"[It's] hard work; [an] aggressive player, [a] big leader, but at the same time a normal guy on the pitch and such a team player. [He's] a true, true legend.
"But I understood the choice was more or less made and it was take it or leave it. I hoped for a fair chance with the players because when you step in, not everybody [is] happy."
After taking over Chelsea in the Champions League knockout rounds and sliding to mid-table in the Premier League, expectations were low for instant accomplishment under the German's leadership.
Tuchel is aware, however, that after leading them to the most prestigious trophy in European club football and another top-four finish, there will be an increased expectation on his team to deliver this season.
"We raised the bar," he added. "It creates expectations, it creates demands, but I hope we don't get affected by it too much from outside.
"I know what I demand from myself, which is always the highest level. I know what the team can produce - they are really ambitious, really competitive.
"I think we need to be honest, to accept that we were fourth last season, so we have to close the gap to Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City.
"After a big success, you have to start from scratch. This is what top-level sports is all about and this is what we love it for."
DISCLAIMER! Sportmob does not claim ownership of any of the pictures posted on this website. Again, we do not host pictures or videos ourselves. Our authors merely link to the rightful owner. Lastly, Sportmob have carefully considered and reviewed all of its content. Despite that, it is possible that some information might be out-dated or incomplete.