Kai Havertz has revealed how Thomas Tuchel changed his outlook on football for the better during their time together at Chelsea. The newly-appointed Bayern Munich boss led the Blues to Champions League glory for the second time in the club's history after just six months in charge.
And, it was Havertz who scored the decisive goal in the west Londoners' victory over Manchester City in the final. Mason Mount threaded the Germany international through on goal with only the goalkeeper standing in his way.
He latched onto the Cobham graduate's pass before slaloming his way past Ederson and slotting the ball into an empty net. After ending Chelsea's 10-year drought in the Champions League, the German duo went on to win the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup together, with the forward playing huge roles in each of the clashes.
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In an interview with The Guardian, Havertz explained how Frank Lampard, Tuchel and Graham Potter have all aided his development as a player. The 23-year-old said: "Frank Lampard signed me, we had good chats and he helped me even though it wasn’t working out for him, so I am grateful.
"Then Tuchel gave me a different idea of football. Every detail counts, every centimetre, how you touch the ball, how you control, where you pass, which foot, movement, creating spaces - he’s just top level. To come and win the Champions League in six months says it all.
"My brother and I used to watch every Champions League game and to hold the trophy with your family on the pitch was such a relief. I scored this goal, I can be happy. I made my childhood dream come true.
"And the ambition is still there. In the league we are not very good and we feel for the fans but against Dortmund, the atmosphere was the best I have seen. You feel the excitement.
"The Premier League is big and winning it may be even more difficult but the Champions League is different. Hearing that anthem, playing at night: it’s special."
Then, on Potter, Havertz added: "Very good for Chelsea even though he gets criticism; in the changing room everyone knows his qualities."
Since Tuchel has taken the helm at Bayern, the Bundesliga champions have been heavily linked with a number of employees at Stamford Bridge. According to Calciomercato, the German outfit are ready to launch moves to sign Edouard Mendy and Mateo Kovacic, while The Times have said Mason Mount is of interest too.
On Tuesday morning, German outlet BILD reported that Anthony Barry was keen on the idea of moving abroad amid interest from Bayern. The Telegraph added that the Chelsea coach has agreed to step away from his duties at Cobham training ground until further notice while a solution to the saga is explored.
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