Manchester United’s new manager appeared at his first press conference today. You may have heard. His name is Ralf Rangnick.
Rangnick replaces Ole Gunnar Solsjkaer until the end of the season. He has a difficult job on his hands to turn United’s season around.
However, the manager may have attended another Premier League press conference had things worked out differently.
Chelsea approach
Rangnick had the opportunity to wear blue when Chelsea came calling earlier this year. The Blues approached the former RB Leipzig coach following the departure of Frank Lampard. They couldn’t agree on a deal though.
Rangnick addressed the approach in his first United press conference.
“When Chelsea contacted me in February, they only gave me the option of interim manager for four months. The offer was without any opportunity to work in the long term together. Here we are talking about six-and-a-half months, with only a third of the games played in the Premier League. As you all know, I have also agreed on a two-year advisory role.”
At the time of Chelsea’s approach, Chelsea struggled for form and there was a feeling that Lampard had taken the club as far as he could. Important figures at Stamford Bridge decided a change had to be made for the club to progress.
Rangnick’s protégé
Chelsea had made it clear what kind of manager they wanted. After failing to lure Rangnick to Stamford Bridge on an interim basis, they turned to his protege, Thomas Tuchel, who had recently parted ways with Paris Saint-Germain.
Tuchel worked at the Radio Bar in Stuttgart when Ralf Rangnick made a personal intervention to steer him into coaching.
Tuchel’s playing career was cut short by injury. As a result, he had given up on football altogether. Rangnick was manager of SSV Ulm at the time of the incident and handed Tuchel the chance to coach VfB Stuttgart’s youth team in 2000.
It’s certainly worked out for Chelsea as Tuchel guided them to Champions League glory last season. The Blues currently sit top of the Premier League, after making a fantastic start. Tuchel’s team are one point above champions Manchester City.
Rangnick and Tuchel have a very close relationship. That bond will be put to one side when the pair lock horns in May as United face Chelsea at Old Trafford.
Featured image: Getty
