Thomas Tuchel described any chance Chelsea would embark on a challenge for the Premier League title this season as “unrealistic” and said he intended to focus his efforts on the Champions League and the FA Cup.
The German boss was addressing the media at his first press conference since his appointment as manager of the Blues, when he had already taken charge of his first game at the helm.
His first outing saw his side fail to break the deadlock against a resolute Wolves side on Wednesday night – a result that leaves them 11 points behind league leaders Manchester City – and although Tuchel admits he must succeed, he has already ruled out a challenge for the title. this season.
“Realistically this year it’s the Champions League and the FA Cup,” he told reporters (via the club’s official YouTube channel). “Now to talk about the Premier League title, there are too many teams between us and it’s unrealistic, we’ll just lose focus.
“At Chelsea, it’s about results for us as managers. We always try to bring performance, bring and develop and improve the players and increase their value, but at the end of the day I’m very realistic.
“I’m in a lion cub whose DNA is winning and winning trophies and I’m here to challenge every trophy that we play for.”
While he stressed the need to provide consistent silverware during his time at Stamford Bridge, Tuchel also stressed the importance of entertaining fans in the process.
“Success is also making the stadium happy,” he added. “People should be excited to come to Stamford Bridge, people should be excited to watch our team, people should be excited and feel like the team is playing with a special energy and atmosphere.”
Tuchel had been out of work for just over a month when he was announced as Chelsea’s new boss, although he said he couldn’t pass up such a glorious opportunity when he was offered the job. .
“It is one of the biggest clubs in the world in the most competitive league in the world,” he said. “It was like we didn’t miss the opportunity to be part of the Chelsea family and compete for the titles with the best manager and the best teams. It was a fairly easy choice. ”
Frank Lampard’s recent sacking has not been welcomed by sections of the Chelsea fan base, with a banner hanging from the gates of Stamford Bridge expressing his displeasure at the decision to fire the former Blues midfielder .
Tuchel added that he has immense admiration for the outgoing boss as a player and a person, and revealed that he has already spoken to Lampard since his appointment.
“I was a huge fan of Frank as a player,” he said. “It was a huge joy to see him play and to see how he played with personality. He was one of the key players to demonstrate in 90 minutes what Chelsea were – intensity, dedication and a winning mentality.
“I have the greatest respect for him personally and for his heritage. It gained momentum when I got a personal message this morning wishing me the best and maybe meeting in the future when possible. ”
When asked about the possibility of adding to his squad during the January transfer window, Tuchel insisted he was keen to trust those who were already at the club, although he had not completely ruled out any new arrival.
“I have a feeling right now that the guys deserve to be trusted and I want to trust everyone,” he added. “If the possibility arises that we all agree to make ourselves stronger right away, we won’t hesitate, but it’s not like we have an absolute need to do something.”
