Chelsea hero Joe Cole admits he's a big fan of manager Thomas Tuchel.

Champions League winner Tuchel marks one year in charge today.

Cole, 40, told The Sun: “Barring Mourinho's first spell, he has had the biggest impact of anyone managing Chelsea. He is universally loved and respected by everyone at the training ground.

“He is a breath of fresh air. Winning the Champions League is an incredible achievement but it is also about the way he has come in.

“Chelsea is a very successful club but it can be turbulent. A lot of managers can buckle under that pressure — even experienced ones.

“But the way the players have responded to him has been great. You couldn't have envisaged a better first year in charge. Thomas is a very smart man who recognised the quality players straight away.

“But he also recognised the soul and style of the club; he understands the history of the club. He gets it."

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