Thomas Tuchel appointed Chelsea’s new manager on an 18-month deal as he replaces club legend Frank Lampard who was sacked

Chelsea have a new manager at the helm with Thomas Tuchel confirmed as Frank Lampard’s replacement.

Tuchel was widely expected to become the new Blues boss, following Lampard’s dismissal on Monday, and that became a reality on Tuesday evening.

The 47-year-old has signed an 18-month deal at Stamford Bridge – with an option to extend that contract.

He took his first training session with Chelsea on Tuesday evening and will take charge of their Premier League clash at home to Wolves on Wednesday night.

‘I would like to thank Chelsea FC for their confidence in me and my staff,’ the German told the club’s official website on Tuesday.

‘We all have the greatest respect for Frank Lampard’s work and the legacy he created at Chelsea.

‘At the same time, I cannot wait to meet my new team and compete in the most exciting league in football. I am grateful to now be part of the Chelsea family – it feels amazing!’

Tuchel led Paris Saint-Germain to the Champions League final last season, but was sacked by the French giants in December.

The German will now be expected to revive Chelsea’s faltering campaign, unify a split dressing room – and seal a top-four Premier League finish to secure Champions League qualification.

Chelsea’s board were understood to have grown weary of perceived muddled thinking in Lampard’s changeable tactics, with the 42-year-old paying the price for failing to integrate the summer’s £220million-worth of new signings – especially the likes of Timo Werner and Kai Havertz.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is understood to believe Tuchel’s experience in managing major egos and talents like Neymar and Kylian Mbappe will allow him to hit the ground running with the Blues.

Tuchel has been itching to get back to work after his December sacking by PSG, and his agent Pini Zahavi has successfully sung his praises to Abramovich.

‘It is never easy to change head coach in the middle of the season but we are very happy to secure one of Europe’s best coaches in Thomas Tuchel,’ said Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia.

‘There is still much to play for and much to achieve, this season and beyond. We welcome Thomas to the club.’