Chelsea

Michael Ballack backs Thomas Tuchel to "shape an era" at Chelsea

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 05 February 2021

Former Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack backs his compatriot Thomas Tuchel to "shape an era" in the Stamford Bridge dugout after a promising start.

Former Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack is confident that Thomas Tuchel will "shape an era" at Stamford Bridge.

The former Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain manager has taken seven points from a possible nine so far, and a 1-0 London derby victory over Tottenham Hotspur maintained his side's 100% defensive record since taking over.

Tuchel's switch to a three-man defence has already paid dividends in his short time in the dugout, and Ballack has backed his compatriot to "leave his mark" at Chelsea if he is given the required time - a luxury that former Blues managers have not enjoyed in recent years.

Speaking to Stats Perform, Ballack said: "Thomas Tuchel has clear ideas about what he wants and how he wants to play. He showed at Paris Saint-Germain that he can handle difficult characters.

"If he wins games, he can get some breathing space and maybe be the coach who will leave his mark there in the long term in order to shape an era at Chelsea."

Tuchel has lifted Chelsea to sixth in the Premier League table following two wins and a draw from his first three matches, and the Blues next face basement team Sheffield United on Sunday.