Manchester United's players wouldn't be in for an easy ride if Thomas Tuchel replaced Erik ten Hag in the coming weeks, with club bosses deciding the Dutchman's fate today. Ten Hag's future should become clear following a long-standing meeting in London, where various club matters will be on the agenda.
Tuchel is one of the few leading managerial candidates with a winning pedigree that he's developed while coaching a handful of European giants.
At the end of his 20-month reign at Chelsea - where he lifted the Champions League as one of three trophies - reports claimed that his hunger to win became too much for some players.
Related articles
According to the Mail, numerous Chelsea stars disliked operating on the side of the pitch next to Stamford Bridge's East Stand.
That's because they grew tired of Tuchel's relentless 'complaints' while standing in his technical area as he pushed hard to extract performances that made the club world champions under his watch.
The German coach is claimed to have made a habit of loudly moaning whenever his players missed a chance, squandered a tackle, mishit a cross or didn't track back.
Some United players have reportedly taken issue with Ten Hag's disciplinarian approach at Old Trafford, with a huge focus on driving standards.
So Tuchel's demeanour would likely risk ruffling feathers in an already-fragile squad amid a woeful start to the season.
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
In May 2022, following a 2-2 home draw against Wolves, the 51-year-old admitted he likely wasn't popular in the Chelsea dressing room for demanding an extra training day.
He forced his stars to report for training on the Sunday of that weekend, one week before facing Liverpool in the FA Cup final.
"If you want to be loved on a daily basis, you should not become a high-level football coach. It will not happen. At this moment, no, I'm probably not popular," Tuchel explained.
"Most of them expected a 30-minute team talk and then to watch the game again. Once they understood why they were in and the weather was fine most of them accepted it.
Related articles
"I need a free day - because I also cancelled my free Sunday! I also had some plans on Sunday morning and they were cancelled. But this happens.
"There was even a U23 game at one o'clock, and two-thirds of the team stayed and watched it.
"Nobody was getting in their car and getting away. They take their responsibility, and that is what I love about the team."
Tuchel's actions sparked a response as Chelsea won 3-0 at Leeds United days later. However, the Blues fell short at Wembley, losing on penalties. He was sacked a few months later, just six months into the new season.
