Frank Lampard has dealt Thomas Tuchel yet another blow following his appointment as Everton boss, which could trigger a fatal domino effect at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea's former boss has welcomed Ashley Cole to Goodison Park as a first-team coach, becoming the second employee to have left their position at Cobham training ground to follow the club's all-time top goalscorer.
Cole has drawn the curtains on his time as an academy coach for the west Londoners, in which he began in 2019, joining Tuchel's former assistant coach Joe Edwards as part of Lampard's coaching team.
However, while it's likely that Chelsea will suffer the absence of Edwards, who had a strong hand in the club's latest Champions League triumph, more than the Blues' former left-back, Cole looked to have had the key to solving Tuchel's left-back dilemma
Lampard and Cole have a brilliant bond after their club success in their playing days. Lampard signed his new coach as a player in his first managerial job at Derby. He was the experienced pro to help the dressing room, so it's no shock that he has partnered back up in his new role at Everton.
The 41-year-old began his role at Cobham in 2019, shedding his experience and knowledge for the next generation. It felt like the perfect opportunity had arisen when the January transfer window slammed shut.
Chelsea completed the signing of Derby County youngster Dylan Williams last month to solve the left-back issue in the academy squad, in which Cole was among the coaching staff.
The 18-year-old's arrival coincided with Tuchel's mission to draft in cover for Marcos Alonso, who was struggling to prove his quality in Ben Chilwell's absence.
Marina Granovskaia and the Chelsea board failed to provide the Blues boss with an alternative, raising questions among fans regarding Alonso's future at the club.
Tuchel cut corners, trialling short-term options to accommodate the Spaniard's poor performances; Lewis Hall was drafted in at left centre-back, and Malang Sarr too at left-back.
However, with or without the Chelsea boss' genius, the club lacks a long-term answer as to who will deputise long term in Chilwells absence.
Williams looked as if he would be utilised as a first-team option sooner side.
However, without one of the Premier League's greatest left-backs on the Cobham training pitch with Williams, Chelsea's search for an understudy could have hit a huge setback.
The former Rams duo looked destined to strike an excellent relationship, moulding Tuchel his perfect Chilwell alternative.
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