Thomas
Tuchel admitted he is aware of Chelsea's ruthlessness when it comes to
sacking managers but insisted it does not scare him, with the German also
revealing Frank Lampard sent him a good luck message.
Tuchel was thrust into his first game as Chelsea boss on Wednesday night
against Wolves, which the Blues drew 0-0, 24 hours after he was confirmed as
the permanent successor to Frank Lampard at Stamford Bridge.
Club owner Roman Abramovich is not inclined to show mercy when it comes to
underperforming managers, having now said goodbye to 14 coaches - including
Jose Mourinho twice - since his arrival in 2003.
When asked about whether he is concerned by the club's culture of sacking
managers Tuchel, speaking at his official unveiling press conference, Tuchel
said: "Yes and no.
"I am absolutely grateful that I can work on this level. If you sign up for
Chelsea you sign up for the hunger of titles. You sign up for being
competitive in every competition that you play. I am aware of that.
"It does not scare me [to be sacked]. We have big ambition, and I myself
have the biggest ambitions. I am excited about the structure of the club. I
am absolutely aware at some point everybody expects results, but I expect
that of myself.
"It was an opportunity with one of the biggest clubs in the world in the
most competitive league in the world. We felt like we should absolutely not
miss the chance to join the Chelsea family. It was a pretty easy choice."
Lampard departed after an 18-month spell in charge of the Blues, with a
large number of fans disappointed that the club icon was not given longer.
Tuchel, however, revealed Lampard has already been in touch, and he hopes
fans do not hold his predecessor's sacking against him.
"I hope there is not [a fan backlash] because that would be hard on the
team," he added. "The fans are so close and behind the team, it makes a big
difference.
"I know it was a big disappointment for the fanbase that Frank was sacked. I
was a huge fan of Frank as a player. I have the biggest respect for him
personally and for his legacy. My respect got bigger when I received a
message today, a personal message, to wish me all the best and maybe to meet
in the future when possible.
"The club made clear to me this is not my fault, I cannot change the
situation for him. The decision was made and I was handed the opportunity."
Tuchel's tactics have already caused controversy after Mason Mount, who
captained the Blues at the weekend, was left out against Wolves. Mount's
omission, however, should not concern Chelsea fans.
"There is nothing to worry about, I like what I see from Mason so far,"
Tuchel added. "Such a nice and competitive guy. Every game I have seen so
far, Mason cares for Chelsea, 100 per cent.
"This is the best basis for a big development. I am very happy to have him
around, I will not stop pushing him and guiding him."
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