Chelsea ‘were warned off Thomas Tuchel’ when lining up options to replace Antonio Conte

Thomas Tuchel’s chances of becoming the next Chelsea manager have taken a heavy blow after it was revealed the Premier League club were previously warned off the German coach.

Speculation is mounting over who could take over at Stamford Bridge with Frank Lampard under considerable pressure following a run of four defeats in six games.

Sportsmail reported earlier this week that the Blues are prepared to give Lampard time to make things right after a dismal 3-1 defeat by Manchester City at the weekend.

Chelsea were reportedly warned off ex-Paris Saint-Germain boss Thomas Tuchel in the past

Frank Lampard is under considerable pressure following four defeats in six matches

Tuchel has been touted as a possible replacement for Lampard along with Massimiliano Allegri, the former Juventus boss.

But reports suggest that Chelsea are perhaps unlikely to consider Tuchel as a favourite after being told to steer clear of him in the past.

Tuchel was one of the names linked with the Chelsea job in the summer of 2017 when it appeared as though Antonio Conte would be relieved of his duties just a year into the role. Tuchel’s name also came up when Conte left a year later.

But, according to The Telegraph, the Blues were told Tuchel could be just as difficult to work with as Conte and Jose Mourinho – both of whom fell out with the Chelsea hierarchy.

Chelsea were told Tuchel would be just as difficult as Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho

Tuchel’s previous struggles with players and staff at Borussia Dortmund were also brought to the attention of the Blues. 

It has previously been reported that Tuchel, who won only one trophy – the German Cup – during his two years at Dortmund after replacing Jurgen Klopp, struggled to endear himself to those at the club as well as the supporters. 

Indeed, his sacking at PSG last month is also thought to have been largely down to similar issues, including a particularly poor relationship with Leonardo, the club’s sporting director.

Chelsea opted instead for Maurizio Sarri, who lasted one season before Lampard was appointed in the summer of 2019.

Lampard is under no illusions that results need to improve or he could become the 13th manager to lose his job since Roman Abramovich bought the club in 2003.

Twelve bosses have been and gone at the club since Roman Abramovich bought it in 2003

He does, however, believe his side can improve and points to earlier in the season for reasons to be positive.

He said: ‘A month ago everyone was saying we could win the league, but I was sure there were periods of pain we would go through.

‘At the minute we’re in a little period. If you go back to the first year of (Manchester) City in this regime or Liverpool, they probably had days like this.

‘I remember getting beaten by Middlesbrough as a player and we sat in the dressing room demoralised and we bounced back. The players and myself have to take it on the chin.’