NFL
By: Edwin Duodu
Chelsea football club has sacked Thomas Tuchel. After two seasons with the team, the former manager’s term has unexpectedly ended. It’s evident that the recent performances indicate why the club felt the need to go in a different direction. Their recent 1-0 loss to Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League opener is a great example. They also sit sixth in the Premier League table, scoring only eight goals. However, the question that many may ask is, did the board make this decision too hastily?
Thomas Tuchel endured some great success while managing. He won the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup in the 2021 season. All accomplishments brought hope and excitement to the fanbase that Chelsea would return to competing at high levels. It seemed as if the board placed their faith in Tuchel by allowing him to scout players that would fit his system. The result ended in spending the most money in this past Sumer Transfer Window. It was a move that expressed trust and commitment to Tuchel.
Although the results have been poor, is sacking him the best option for the squad? Why allow him to have a say in where the money was spent if you wouldn’t give him time to coach these new players? Their new man up top, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, had a former connection with Tuchel from their days together at Dortmund. Who’s to say his main reason for coming was down to the possible reunion?
Regardless of experience, a new formation and tactics may or may not breed the best performances from the team. There will be an adjustment period and a time when the newly appointed manager will select which player fits his system best. As big as a club Chelsea is, are they willing to be patient with the results?
It’s reported that Brighton & Hove Albion manager Graham Potter is the favorite to land the job, and he’s expected to meet with the team this week. He is highly rated amongst the league experts and has brought a sense of grit and confidence to his current squad, despite finishing in the bottom ten two out of the last three seasons. Becoming the new manager for Chelsea would be a big step in his career. One must ask if he’s ready for such a daunting challenge. After all, the Chelsea board show commitment to winning at any cost rather than a commitment to the manager.
As long as the club continues to win trophies, no one will be able to question its strategy. However, at some point in time, their philosophy won’t suffice. The players may feel unmotivated with multiple changes that take place. There will always be an experiment process where continuity and chemistry may matter more than results at that given time. That could lead to winning less consistently and losing ground on the top teams in the league. What will be the result of that? Will the board get impatient and sack the next manager as well?
Maybe letting go of Tuchel will open up a thought for the club to be patient with the next manager. If that’s not the plan, and Chelsea doesn’t cover it up by winning trophies, expect the club to dig itself in a large hole that’ll take years to climb out of.
