Managerial moves will expedite Thomas Tuchel Chelsea extension

Chelsea’s Thomas Tuchel has just a year remaining on his contract come this summer. Giving him an 18 month contract was very much a calculated move by both parties. The Blues wouldn’t be on much of a hook if any of Tuchel’s past bust up with boards came about once again or if the results simply weren’t there. Tuchel would have flexibility in the short and long term to decide what he wanted to do.

But by all accounts, both parties seem pretty happy with one another. Of course, it is a bit of a kiss of death to offer a longer contract to a manager while a race is still being run. Tuchel’s done fantastically to get Chelsea top four. The FA Cup final will hurt, but that can be waved away all things considered. A Champions League final is a big boost too, though the Blues board likely won’t distinguish between a runners up medal and a round of 16 exit that was expected given their history.

Regardless of the result of the Champions League final, Tuchel is surely getting an extension. A win might bump that up another year, but it feels like a matter of when not if. That being said, recent events might start making Chelsea sweat.

The managerial merry go round is in full swing. Suddenly, Thomas Tuchel’s remaining year at the Blues doesn’t look to be safe enough. The Blues should expedite any extension talks if they haven’t already to ensure Tuchel continues at Chelsea.

This is partially a testament to how well Tuchel has done at the Blues. After making Paris Saint-Germain’s first Champions League final last season, he has gone and done it with a completely different team just a year later. The near complete turn in fortunes for Chelsea in short order will only have boosted his status.

And that is surely why clubs will be making calls so long as he is on a year remaining. Real Madrid is the biggest club guaranteed to be looking for a new coach. It is likely that Juventus and Barcelona will as well. It is less likely, but not impossible, that Paris Saint-Germain may even stand outside Tuchel’s window begging for him to take them back.

Tuchel has repeatedly said he’s happy at Chelsea and that seems genuinely true. That doesn’t mean the Blues should take that happiness for granted either. The moment the Champions League final ends, the extension should be on the table ready to be signed.

As mentioned at the top, it’s likely that the extension is happening regardless. Chelsea simply shouldn’t drag their feet and tempt fate. The further into the summer Tuchel gets without a contract, the more the sharks will start sniffing around. Chelsea’s best move is to nip that in the bud early. Remove the chance before it is a chance.

And frankly, Tuchel’s earned his Chelsea contract. There can be quibbling over how long it should be, but it does need an extension. Even if next season is a disaster which would be so very Chelsea, Tuchel’s earned his time with his work this season.