It is definitely not the crazy love between Thomas Tuchel and France.
The German coach's adventure at Paris Saint-Germain ended in a fishtail, with a dismissal on December 24, 2020. The following month, Tuchel returned to service at Chelsea, where he succeeded the former glory of the Blues Frank Lampard.
Since then, the Londoners have been ... unbeaten, with 4 wins in 6 Premier League games, and relaunched in the race for the Champions League.
This regain of form, it was somewhat to the detriment of the French workforce.
The end of the season is not going to be easy for them.
The first obvious victim of Tuchel's arrival is called Kurt Zouma.
The central defender (26) was indisputable under Lampard ... until mid-January.
The former English midfielder preferred Antonio Rüdiger for his last two matches on the bench of the Blues.
A choice that Tuchel renewed upon his arrival.
The affection of the German coach for his compatriot is known: he pushed for a long time for PSG to recruit him, in vain.
Rüdiger is therefore titular in the defense to 3 advocated by Tuchel, alongside the indestructible Thiago Silva and the captain, César Azpilicueta, who no longer has the canes to play on one side.
And when Silva was injured, it was Andreas Christensen who made up for the Brazilian's absence at Sheffield United (1-2) and against Newcastle (2-0).
Zouma chomped on the bench, until a tenure at Southampton last Saturday (1-1).
To breathe life into Christensen?
Possible.
Giroud's top 5 goals with Chelsea
Optimism for Kanté, back from injury
The slope to climb promises to be difficult for Kurt Zouma.
At least, more than for N'Golo Kanté.
"He has the mentality of a water carrier who wants to help," Tuchel judged as he put his bags in London.
But at the same time, he's a world-class player who played a crucial role in France's victory at the World Cup. ”
Reassuring words for the French world champion (29), injured when Tuchel arrived at Chelsea.
He came into play three in a row in the Premier League, before 90 minutes with the captain's armband in the FA Cup.
He confirmed at Southampton on Saturday with a starting place and a volume of play worthy of his reputation.
“I believe that N'Golo is in the plans of all coaches on the planet, enthusiastic Tuchel in mid-February.
I desperately wanted him in my teams before.
It's one of the best circles in the world. ”
He should start again this Tuesday against Atlético de Madrid, in a double pivot in the middle with Mateo Kovacic.
The only uncertainty: his physical condition, after a cascade of injuries last season.
Didier Deschamps would not like to recover a Kanté washed out by the end of the season where Chelsea will have to whip.
An infernal rhythm, this is not what seems to await Olivier Giroud.
The former Montpellier (34 years old) took advantage of Tammy Abraham's bad luck to grab some playing time at the end of the fall.
He shocked Europe with a quadruple against Sevilla FC in the Champions League group stage (0-4).
Lampard, who called him “the ultimate professional”, has since left.
Tuchel looks for the formula in attack: how to use Timo Werner?
What system for Hakim Ziyech?
What about Christian Pulisic and Kai Havertz?
Werner is ramping up and seems indisputable, just like attacking midfielder Mason Mount, real satisfaction.
On Saturday in Southampton, Abraham was replaced by Ziyech.
Giroud watched it from the bench.
"He is a key figure," Tuchel assured about the Frenchman, saying it was "too early" to talk about his future, he who is at the end of his contract at Chelsea.
In the short term, opportunities will be scarce.
But in Blue as in Blues, Giroud is used to hanging on.
21 - Only Jermain Defoe (24) has scored more Premier League goals than Olivier Giroud (21) as a substitute.
Impact.
# CHENEWpic.twitter.com / rO0J3a8GD0
- OptaJean (@OptaJean) February 15, 2021
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