Jamie Carragher: Retaining Thomas Tuchel is key for Chelsea

Tuchel joined Chelsea just 14 months ago and has since won the Champions League and lost the FA Cup final.

Off the pitch, he has had his methods questioned by players, but it is last week’s developments that pose the strongest challenge.

Chelsea have been granted a special license to play out the current campaign, but there are strict limitations. The club can no longer sell tickets or merchandise to fans, nor sign/re-sign players.

Furthermore, their travel spending has been capped, which could threaten their Champions League fixtures in particular.

Complicating matters is that if Chelsea do not find a new owner by the end of June, they will lose Cesar Azpilicueta, Andreas Christensen, Antonio Rudiger and Thiago Silva on free transfers. They would not be able to offer them new contracts nor bring in replacements.

On Sky Sports’ Super Sunday ahead of Chelsea’s 1-0 Premier League victory over Newcastle United, Carragher said of Tuchel, "I think right now he is vitally important [to Chelsea].

"He's a brilliant manager, we know that from his record, but the way he's handled himself in the last couple of weeks has really shown what kind of a guy he is as well, not just his quality as a football manager.

"He's been the figurehead for Chelsea Football Club for speaking out. He's been getting asked questions constantly before and after games and he's come across really well. He's been a real leader for this football club."

Last week, Carragher said that Manchester United could take advantage of the situation and poach Tuchel, comments the former Liverpool defender reiterated on Sunday.

He continued, "I think it is realistic in that if you are Manchester United why wouldn't you ask that question?"

"Unfortunately, with the situation that Chelsea find themselves in, other clubs will be looking at their situation in terms of players or managers going forward, that's the nature of the beast.

"He's one of the best managers in world football and Manchester United are looking for one but I think he's come out and said that he's committed to the club and I'm sure that's what he's got to say.

"But there are uncertain times for Chelsea because you don't know what the ownership is going to be towards the end of the season.

"He's 100 per cent the most important person you have to keep in place as a new owner.

"It's a great playing squad and you look at what they've achieved in terms of Champions League, Club World Cup champions and there's a few players out of contract. I do think there are problems in terms of next season and the squad and what they can bring in.

"But in terms of Thomas Tuchel, they have a guy - and there's very few of them in world football - who can compete with Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola, whether it's in this league or the Champions League. And those managers are very few and far between right now."