Chelsea wanted Thomas Tuchel instead of Rafa Benitez because of two players
Chelsea: Thomas Tuchel in profile
Chelsea reportedly showed an interest in Rafa Benitez before eventually opting for Thomas Tuchel as the replacement for Frank Lampard. The struggles of summer signings Kai Havertz and Timo Werner are claimed to have played a part in Chelsea choosing to appoint a German manager. Germany internationals Havertz and Werner have not yet been able to live up to their respective £72million and £47m arrivals.
Tuchel is set to be appointed as Chelsea head coach this week.
The 47-year-old could be in the dugout for the Premier League match at home to Wolves on Wednesday.
He will be allowed to attend training and matches as long as he returns a negative coronavirus test upon landing in England.
However, Tuchel appears to not be the only manager Chelsea were interested in replacing Lampard.
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DAZN Espana reporter Jesus Lopez claims there was also interest in Benitez.
Benitez had a spell in interim charge of Chelsea during the 2012/13 season and led the club to Europa League glory.
The Spaniard has just left his position as manager of Chinese Super League club Dalian Professional.
However, Lopez says Chelsea preferred going down the German route because of Havertz and Werner.
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Havertz has scored five goals in 23 appearances for Chelsea but has only netted once in the Premier League.
And Werner has scored just once in his last 16 appearances in all competitions.
Meanwhile, Lampard broke his silence on his sacking on Monday evening.
Lampard wrote on Instagram: “It has been a huge privilege and an honour to manage Chelsea, a club that has been a big part of my life for so long.
“Firstly, I would like to thank the fans for the incredible support that I have received over the last 18 months. I hope they know what that means to me.
“When I took on this role I understood the challenges that lay ahead in a difficult time for the football club.
“I am proud of the achievements that we made, and I am proud of the academy players that have made their step into the first team and performed so well. They are the future of the club.
“I am disappointed not to have had the time this season to take the club forward and bring it to the next level.
“I want to thank Mr Abramovich, the board, players, my coaching team and everyone at the club for their hard work and dedication, especially in these unprecedented and challenging times.
“I wish the team and the club every success for the future.”
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