What Makes Thomas Tuchel a Special Coach?

Thomas Tuchel has quickly established himself as one of the most highly regarded coaches in world football.

The German tactician has enjoyed success at a number of different clubs, most recently leading Chelsea to Champions League glory in his first season in charge. The current Bayern Munich manager is a unique manager. So, what is it that makes Tuchel such a special coach?

Tactical Flexibility

One of Tuchel's key strengths is his ability to adapt his tactics to suit the players at his disposal and the opposition he is facing. At Chelsea, he has shown a willingness to switch between a back four and a back three depending on the situation, while also experimenting with different formations and player roles within those systems.

This flexibility has allowed Tuchel to get the best out of his players, with the likes of Mason Mount and Kai Havertz thriving in new positions under his guidance. It has also made Chelsea a difficult team to predict and prepare for, as opponents are never quite sure what formation or tactics they will face.

Man-Management

Tuchel is known for his excellent man-management skills, which have helped him to build strong relationships with his players and get them playing for him as a collective unit. He has shown a willingness to give young players a chance, while also earning the respect of more experienced players with his clear communication and attention to detail.

At Paris Saint-Germain, Tuchel was credited with improving the performances of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, while also getting the best out of veterans like Thiago Silva and Angel Di Maria. His man-management skills were also evident at Mainz and Borussia Dortmund, where he built strong bonds with players like Shinji Kagawa and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Attention to Detail

Tuchel is a coach who leaves no stone unturned when it comes to preparation and analysis. He is known for his meticulous approach to scouting and game-planning, spending hours poring over footage of opponents and identifying areas where his team can exploit weaknesses.

This attention to detail was evident in Chelsea's Champions League triumph, where Tuchel's meticulous planning helped to nullify the threat of Manchester City's attack and secure a 1-0 victory. It was also apparent in his tactical adjustments during the tournament, including switching to a back five in the semi-final against Real Madrid to counter the threat of their wingers.

Innovative Training Methods

Tuchel is a coach who is not afraid to think outside the box when it comes to training methods. He has been known to use unconventional drills and exercises to help players improve their skills and build team cohesion.

At Chelsea, Tuchel has introduced a number of new training drills and methods, including using tennis balls to improve players' first touch and reaction times, and incorporating handball into training sessions to help players work on their agility and coordination. These innovative approaches have helped to keep players engaged and motivated, while also improving their skills and fitness levels.

Ability to Handle Pressure

Finally, one of Tuchel's most impressive qualities as a coach is his ability to handle pressure and thrive in high-pressure situations. He has shown a knack for delivering results when it matters most, whether it's securing a crucial victory in a must-win game or guiding his team to success in a cup final.

This was evident in Chelsea's Champions League campaign, where Tuchel's side faced some of Europe's biggest clubs and managed to come out on top. His calm and composed demeanor on the touchline helped to keep his players focused and motivated, even in the most intense moments of the tournament.

Will Tuchel Succeed at Bayern Munich?

Thomas Tuchel is a coach who embodies the modern game, combining tactical flexibility with man-management skills, attention to detail, innovative training methods, and a cool head under pressure. His ability to get the best out of his players and thriving under pressure makes him the ideal fit for Bayern. Thomas Tuchel oversaw a convincing Bayern Munich win against Borussia Dortmund in Der Klassiker, the best is yet to come.