Former Chelsea star Joe Cole admits he’s a big fan of manager Thomas Tuchel but insists Jose Mourinho had a bigger impact during his tenure at Stamford Bridge.
Champions League winner Tuchel marks one year in charge today.
Cole, 40, told The Sun: “Barring Mourinho’s first spell, he has had the biggest impact of anyone managing Chelsea. He is universally loved and respected by everyone at the training ground.
“He is a breath of fresh air. Winning the Champions League is an incredible achievement but it is also about the way he has come in.
“Chelsea is a very successful club but it can be turbulent. A lot of managers can buckle under that pressure — even experienced ones.
“But the way the players have responded to him has been great. You couldn’t have envisaged a better first year in charge. Thomas is a very smart man who recognised the quality players straight away.
“But he also recognised the soul and style of the club; he understands the history of the club. He gets it.”