Thomas Tuchel’s innovative training methods used to improve Chelsea’s players

Will Thomas Tuchel still be Chelsea’s manager at the start of the 2022-23 season?

The German coach has enhanced his reputation in recent weeks, since Roman Abramovich announced he was selling the club, with a series of impressive press conferences and interviews.

Chelsea’s Russian billionaire owner was then sanctioned by the UK government – a situation which leaves the Blues facing an uncertain future.

Recent reports suggest Manchester United are considering making an audacious move to lure Tuchel to Old Trafford in the event that he decides to leave Stamford Bridge.

Tuchel is one of several candidates on United’s shortlist, which also includes Mauricio Pochettino and Erik ten Hag.

Since replacing Frank Lampard as Chelsea manager in January 2021, Tuchel has cemented his status as one of the world’s best managers.

The 48-year-old won the Champions League just four months into the role and then lifted the Super Cup last August.

It’s remarkable how quickly Tuchel managed to transform Chelsea’s fortunes. The Blues were ninth in the Premier League table when he arrived, having won just one of their previous five league fixtures.

But what was the secret behind Tuchel’s immediate success?

Well, his innovative and slightly unusual training methods appeared to have the desired effect on his squad.

Chelsea’s players were seen training with mini footballs, rather than the standard size 5s, in order to help improve their control and the accuracy of their tackles.

Thomas Tuchel has got his Chelsea players training with mini balls to help improve their control and the accuracy of their tackles.

He's also been known to make defenders hold tennis balls to stop shirt pulling and shape pitches into diamonds to encourage diagonal runs.