Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel plans to trial new formation against Wolves

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Thomas Tuchel is set to implement a dramatic change of shape tonight when he takes charge of his first game as Chelsea manager. The former Paris Saint-Germain boss will be in the dugout at Stamford Bridge for his side’s Premier League clash with Wolves this evening.

Tuchel jetted in from Paris yesterday to sign his Chelsea contract after being ruled exempt from the UK’s 14-day quarantine regulations after qualifying under elite sport.

The German had to provide a negative test before embarking on his new adventure in west London, following the sacking of Frank Lampard on Monday.

He has wasted no time in getting stuck straight into his new position, just over a month on from his sacking at PSG on Christmas Eve.

Tonight’s opponents Wolves will be looking to inflict more misery on Chelsea and their 2-1 win over the Blues at Molineux in December proved to be the beginning of the end for Lampard.

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According to Goal, Tuchel is set to trial a back three against Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.

It’s a system that he has used at various points in his career, most notably at Borussia Dortmund.

Lampard has predominately played a 4-3-3 system this season, with small variations including 4-2-3-1.

He did also use a back three in the 0-0 draw at Manchester United and it’s a system some members of the squad are familiar with from their time under Antonio Conte.

Antonio Rudiger is one of several players set to benefit from the fresh ideas of Tuchel.

He had worked himself back into favour towards the end of Lampard’s tenure but has spent the majority of this season on the sidelines.

Tammy Abraham jumped to the defender of the centre-back yesterday, following reports of unrest between Rudiger and Cesar Azpilicueta over the younger Chelsea players.

Tuchel was interested in signing both Rudiger and Jorginho on loan last year as part of his PSG project.

Now the 47-year-old is hoping to build on the groundwork laid by club legend Lampard.

“I would like to thank Chelsea for their confidence in me and my staff,” Tuchel said.

“We all have the greatest respect for Frank Lampard’s work and the legacy he created at Chelsea. At the same time, I cannot wait to meet my new team and compete in the most exciting league in football. I am grateful to now be part of the Chelsea family – it feels amazing.”

Tuchel’s first session at Cobham was understood to have been very tactical ahead of the visit of Wolves.

Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia has already made it clear results need to improve fast under the new manager.

“It is never easy to change head coach in the middle of the season but we are very happy to secure one of Europe’s best coaches in Thomas Tuchel,” Granovskaia said.

“There is still much to play for and much to achieve, this season and beyond.”

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