Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel has acknowledged that Ralf Rangnick has had "a huge influence" on his managerial career.
On Thursday afternoon, reports emerged that the 63-year-old is likely to become the new interim boss of Manchester United after Sunday's clash between the Blues and the Red Devils.
Tuchel started his stint on the training ground as a youth coach at Stuttgart, the German being appointed by his compatriot Rangnick.
Addressing the potential arrival of Rangnick at Old Trafford, Tuchel could not hide his admiration for someone who he says helped convince him to stay involved in football after the early end of his playing days.
Speaking to reporters at a press conference, Tuchel said: "He helped me a lot because he was my coach and then he was one of the main figures who convinced me to try coaching. He had a huge influence on all of us at this time.
"He showed us that it is not necessary to follow everyone to the toilet in football games because that was the belief at the time. Defenders follow their strikers wherever they go, and he showed us that it is possible to defend in a zone."
Rangnick will not be able to obtain a work permit before the weekend's fixture at Stamford Bridge.
Darren Plant
