Tuchel was gifted Champions League: Ex-Liverpool star

Former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann thinks Chelsea “aren’t on the same level” as their title rivals, and explained why he believes Thomas Tuchel was gifted the Champions League.

Since taking charge at Stamford Bridge in January, Tuchel has been everything Chelsea fans could’ve hoped for and more. He has already steered the club to Champions League glory. And after seven matches of the new league campaign, his side sit atop the standings.

The signing of Romelu Lukaku for a club record £97.5m put Chelsea at the heart of the title race in many people’s eyes.

However, former Reds and Germany midfielder Hamann reckons they’re still some way short of Liverpool and Manchester City.

Speaking to the German version of Goal, Hamann said: “I don’t think they are on the same level as Liverpool and Manchester City.

“You can win the Champions League if you don’t have the best team. But the championship you can’t. That’s why third place would be the highest of feelings for Chelsea.”

Like Tuchel, Hamann also has a champions league winners medal on his mantlepiece. The former midfielder helped Liverpool pull off a miraculous comeback after going 3-0 down against AC Milan in 2005.

However, Hamann believes Tuchel and Chelsea were given an easy ride in the 2021 final through the curious team selection of opposition boss Pep Guardiola.

“Thomas Tuchel also benefitted in the final from the madness Pep Guardiola put on, playing without a defensive midfielder,” added Hamann.

“But they were 25 [actually 19] points behind Manchester City in the league last season and have also been taught a lesson by them recently.”

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Chelsea circle as Inter deal becomes urgent

Meanwhile, Chelsea are prepared to pounce on the first sign of trouble and offer a ‘hefty’ package to an Inter Milan star whose new deal has become an urgent priority, per a report.

A report last week indicated the two clubs could touch base again regarding Marcelo Brozovic. The 28-year-old is in the final year of his contract and his all-action style could work well in Tuchel’s midfield.

Now, Sport Witness (citing Tuttosport) provide an update on the situation. They claim that while Brozovic has no qualms about penning fresh terms with Inter, Chelsea have not given up hope.

They are described as being willing to offer a ‘hefty’ package to secure his signature if contract talks stall. Further indicating their desire to land the Croatian, Chelsea are deemed ‘ready to sniff out the deal’ if the opportunity presents itself.

With Chelsea circling, Tuttosport state Inter have put a new Brozovic contract atop their agenda. In their words, they wish to seal a new deal ‘as soon as possible’.

One ray of hope for Chelsea could come through Inter’s financial difficulties. The report last week claimed the new deal can be closed for €6million-per-year, but Inter will try to get a discount. Instead, they plan to propose an annual salary of €5m.