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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Matt Maltby

Thomas Tuchel's 'unfair' decision eventually wins over Chelsea stars in tense meeting

It's fair to say Thomas Tuchel had a whirlwind 24 hours, following his appointment as Chelsea's new manager.

The German was named as Frank Lampard's replacement on Tuesday night and immediately took a training session at the club's Cobham HQ.

Twenty four hours later and the former Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain boss was in the Stamford Bridge dugout as the Blues battled to a goalless draw with Wolves.

Indeed, while the game was largely underwhelming, the build-up to Tuchel's first game in charge was anything but boring.

According to The Athletic, the 47-year-old took a sympathetic approach to the Chelsea stars who were still feeling the emotional impact of Lampard's shock sacking.

Thomas Tuchel shouts instructions from the Chelsea dugout (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

And, when the time arrived to announce his first team selection during a tense meeting on Tuesday, Tuchel was keen to reassure those players who had Lampard's trust.

Lampard put in his faith in Chelsea's youngsters - including Mason Mount, Reece James and Tammy Abraham - but Tuchel opted for experience and a new 3-4-2-1 formation.

That meant the Blues trio dropped to the bench but Tuchel is believed to have taken a hands-on approach and, despite making an "unfair" team selection, settled the nerves of an anxious group.

It is claimed that Tuchel has "big plans" for one player in particular, despite not involving him against Wolves, while his personal touch was also appreciated by others.

Tuchel saw his Blues side draw 0-0 vs Wolves in his first game in charge (Frank Augstein/POOL/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

Meanwhile, the new boss has pledged to conjure the "special energy" required to turn Chelsea into serial silverware winners.

Straight after the Wolves stalemate, Tuchel insisted he can provide the off-field personality to turn Chelsea into long-term winners - and also a team nobody wants to take on.

"From now on I don't see too many weaknesses: I will focus on our strengths, the mix is amazing of the team between experienced players, big personalities and young, hungry talent," said Tuchel.

"I'm used to creating the special energy and atmosphere you need to create the possibility to win every three days in a league like this.

Tuchel with Christian Pulisic during his first training session as Chelsea boss (Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

"And I believe we can do this on a daily basis.

"What I saw yesterday (in training) was very open stuff, very helpful stuff.

"We will build a team that nobody wants to play against. And that's the challenge for me to do that as quickly as possible."

Asked if Chelsea can win the league this season, Tuchel replied: "The title, ooh, that's far away, we have to be realistic at the same time."

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