It might be too early to call, but I'll call it anyway. Thomas Tuchel might just be Chelsea's greatest manager. Forget the semantics that we once shared with Jose Mourinho. Forget the memories that we built with Carlo Ancelotti and Antonio Conte. This man is the real deal, and there are many reasons why.
With Chelsea's current situation at hand, you could say that the German boss has been given more reason to claim the title. Our previous managers won league titles, FA Cups, League Cups, but they didn't have what Tuchel has right now. The full support of the fan base.
It's more than just the trophies.
Since the sanctioning of Roman Abramovich, the Chelsea family has had to deal with the backlash. They have taken jabs aimed towards their livelihoods and have had to answer questions that fall out of their control. Any manager who has sat at the high table for Chelsea knows exactly how it feels being forced to answer for on-pitch mishaps. So having to answer for incredibly sensitive situations off the pitch is seen as heroic from Thomas Tuchel. Crystal Palace Chairman Steve Parish seems to believe so, too, as he takes us through his thoughts onTwitter.
He says, "Not my business really to comment on other clubs, but I feel compelled to say this guy has been thrown into a near-impossible situation and yet conducted himself impeccably. He's a credit to the institution of @ChelseaFC it's supporters, the @premierleague and himself,"
Tuchel has handled a sticky situation to near perfection. He has always been good with his words to the media, but his commitment to Chelsea is commendable. Whilst many journalists and brand sponsors have turned their back on the Blues, Tuchel reaffirms his belief in the squad and assures the fans that he is not going anywhere.
Of course, we are currently facing uncertain times. Technically, nobody's job is secure right now. The Blues are struggling to find a means for transport with their strict £20,000 budget. Jamie Carragher has even kindly written an entire article suggesting Tuchel makes a move to the red side of Manchester. Reading this as a fan, you have to take a step back and think of all the unpleasant possibilities. The anxiety is excruciating. However, as fans, we also have to accept reality and also sympathise with those in Ukraine who are currently battling and fleeing from their homes.
While fans find themselves in a whirl of irony that is sympathetic yet anxious for their club, Tuchel weathers their storm with his convincing words.
In the peak of all the madness with Chelsea, Tuchel says,
"I said many times that I love working in the Premier League. I love to be in England and feel the tradition and the love for sports in general and football in particular. It's an amazing place to be.
"Chelsea is, for me, the perfect fit. I love to be here, I love everything about the club, and hopefully, it continues."
Now, I am not naive enough to believe everything that comes out of an employee's mouth. Everything can change in an instance, but his actions alone provide a sanctuary of reassurance for Chelsea fans worldwide. His celebrations, his handling of prematch and post-match interviews. His calm tolerance for the tough questions whilst sharing his utmost respect for those in Ukraine.
I can go on and on about how he has handled this situation, but I'll leave with this. Even in the hardest times, a humble individual is somebody you want to keep at all costs. When asked about Chelsea's transport situation for their away game in Lille, Tuchel shares a comedic yet humbling response.
"My last information is that we have a plane, that we can go by plane and come back by plane.
"If not, we go by train, if not, we go by bus – if not, I'll drive a seven-seater! And I will do. Mark my words I will do; I will arrive there.
"If you'd asked me 20 or 30 years ago if I would join a Champions League match at the sideline and what I was willing to do, I would have said, 'OK, when do I have to be where?'
"And why should this change? I will be there, we will be there."
Could you imagine Chelsea's manager, the Champion of Europe, driving a seven-seater across the border? Whilst many managers before bought along with their respected arrogance to the Premier League, Tuchel left his at the door. That's not to say managers like Jose Mourinho shouldn't have arrived with arrogance, no. In fact, his arrogance is what made me fall in love with football, and I'm sure it left a sweet taste for many Chelsea fans during his tenure too.
However, humility undeniably shows good character. Also, considering that he has the elite European and World football prizes to go with his personality, we have an absolute gem on our hands. There's no wonder Manchester United fans are desperate for him to relieve them from their turbulent form.
He is, if not already, on track to becoming Chelsea fan's favourite manager. The tweets below prove this theory.
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