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Ballack backs Tuchel to shape new era at Chelsea

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Provided he is given enough time at Stamford Bridge, Thomas Tuchel will be a success and can usher a new era at the club, says Michael Ballack.

Michael Ballack has backed Thomas Tuchel to be a success at Chelsea.

The German manager took over from Frank Lampard as Blues manager last month and has seen a good start to life.

In his first three games in charge at the club, Chelsea have recorded two wins and a draw. It is even more impressive that they have not conceded a goal in that period.

Their most recent outing left Blues supporters pleased as a penalty from Jorginho was enough to see them take home three points.

Former Chelsea midfielder Ballack is certain his compatriot Tuchel will fit in well at the club. The ex-Blues star also believes the philosophies of the new manager could perhaps lead the club into a new era of success.

Speaking to Stats Perform News, Ballack said: “Thomas Tuchel has clear ideas about what he wants and how he wants to play. He showed at Paris Saint-Germain that he can handle difficult characters.

“If he wins games, he can get some breathing space and maybe be the coach who will leave his mark there in the long term in order to shape an era at Chelsea.”

Timo Werner continues to struggle in front of goal and is yet to score in his last 13 outings in the Premier League. Ballack gave his own opinion of how Tuchel can get the German forward firing again.

He added: “Werner started off pretty well. Of course, if you aren’t scoring as a striker, then it is hard on the self-confidence.

“I believe it is very hard for him overall, as he was used to playing differently at Leipzig. He had a lot more space in front of him. Chelsea is the kind of team that has a lot of ball possession, wanting to dominate the opponent. Maybe even more so with Tuchel.

“Maybe he has to work on his playing style a little bit or try to get himself into better positions. As a striker you are depending on your team-mates to find you and if the goal drought ends, then he will be able to get back to his old form.

“He used to have good phases with the national team, using his physical presence and power to break down the wing. So when his goal drought ends, then things will go better again.”

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