Five reasons why Chelsea can advance deeper in the UCL this season

The Blues have looked like a rejuvenated side lately.

Chelsea FC have reestablished their dwindling form since appointing Thomas Tuchel, who replaced the outgoing Frank Lampard earlier in the season. The German has instilled a sense of confidence and rhythm in the team, which was absent while the Englishman was in charge. 

With a new lease of life, Chelsea are looking strong and have a decent squad to challenge for every competition they find themselves in, including the UEFA Champions League. 

The London-based outfit have everything in their locker to go deep in the tournament and here are the five reasons that can make it possible.

5. Defensive solidity

Since Tuchel was appointed in January 2021, Chelsea have conceded only two goals in all competitions. This is a stark change since the passing of the torch, as under Lampard, Chelsea would be defensively frail and vulnerable to concede a lot of goals.

In order to advance deep into the UCL, the Blues must continue their defensive solidity. They kept a clean sheet against high-flying Atletico Madrid as well in the first-leg of their Round of 16 fixture. 

4. The depth within the squad

Chelsea invested in recruitment heavily over the summer transfer window, signing players like Kai Havertz, Timo Werner, Ben Chilwell, Hakim Ziyech and Thiago Silva. These deals cost the outfit an upwards of £250 million.

The squad has enough quality in every position to contest multiple competitions and it gives a convenient option to Tuchel where he can rest preferred players for UCL games. In this way, the challenge for a top-four finish in the Premier League can be intensified while remaining focused on the European front too.

3. The new manager energy

It happens very often that as soon as a new manager comes in, the performances immediately experience an improvement. The fresh energy and the need for players to impress the new boss are some of the factors behind it.

Chelsea’s recent performances are no different. Since taking over, Tuchel has seen several players perform consistently, the same players were sidelined by Lampard during his reign. The honeymoon period, as it is often called, could help the Blues in reaching later stages of the UCL.

2. Fringe players finding form

As mentioned earlier, Thomas Tuchel’s appointment has seen many previously outcast players reclaim their spot in the starting lineup. Marcos Alonso, Olivier Giroud, Andrea Christensen etc are some of the names that have found themselves preferred by the German tactician.

With the newly found competition among the players, this could be a welcome headache for the gaffer. Increased competition will directly lead to better performances, helping Chelsea navigate their way through tough fixtures.

1. Thomas Tuchel’s experience

The biggest factor driving Chelsea is the appointment of Thomas Tuchel. The German brings experience of managing top sides in elite competitions on the table, something Lampard sadly lacked. 

The 47-year-old has buckets of experience playing in the UEFA Champions League with teams like Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain. He reached the final in the last season with the Parisians as well. The know-how of the workings of the competition, the demands and the ability to juggle it along with domestic challenges is something Tuchel will help Chelsea manage. 

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