Timo Werner has revealed how Thomas Tuchel has already changed the mindset of the Chelsea players after they had developed a growing fear under ex-boss Frank Lampard they would not qualify for the Champions League.
The Blues are back within a point of a top four spot after winning their last three on the bounce in a so far unbeaten run in Tuchel's reign.
After starting life under their new manager with a draw against Wolves, victories over Burnley, Tottenham and Sheffield United have followed.
Chelsea had won just two of their previous eight matches with Lampard in charge prior to his sacking, which had left them sat ninth in the table.
And while the sacking of Lampard was met with criticism in some quarters, Werner admits the Chelsea players are now looking at their situation with a more positive attitude.
"If we go back three or four matches, when the manager was not yet here, we were nine or ten points behind the top four," Werner told Chelsea's 5th Stand app .
"We watched the table and were like, ‘oh, it might not be so good at the end of the season’.
"Now we are really good, back in shape, and I think if we keep going like this we can put more pressure on the other teams."
The arrival of Tuchel also appears to have given Werner a boost after his difficult struggles in front of goal.
Werner had scored just once in Lampard's last 16 matches in the dugout - a solitary strike against Morecambe in the FA Cup.
He did put in a more confident display in the next round clash with Luton - Lampard's finale - but missed a late penalty as his problems continued.
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Since then, the German striker is still yet to find net, but effectively created both goals in Chelsea's win over Sheffield United on Sunday, and feels his best form is only just round the corner.
Speaking after the 2-1 win, he said: "For myself, again no goal but it is good to see that I can help the team with other things at the moment. I keep going.
"I am happy when we win. When I can make two assists like today it is also good but as a striker you want to score. It is a long time now for me, the longest in my career. You have to keep going and the goals will come."
