Chelsea have appointed former RB Leipzig head of scouting and recruitment Christopher Vivell as their new technical director.
The technical director role has been vacant at Stamford Bridge since goalkeeper and legend Petr Cech was relieved of his duties along with other members of the back room staff under ex-manager Thomas Tuchel following the purchase of the Blues by a consortium led by American sports tycoon Todd Boehly.
Boehly has continued to make changes to the Chelsea backroom under new boss Graham Potter who was appointed in September.
“Chelsea FC is pleased to announce the appointment of Christopher Vivell. He joins immediately as the new technical director of Chelsea FC,” a statement on the club website.
Vivell – who also headed scouting and recruitment at Leipzig sister team, Salzburg, said Chelsea have a clear philosophy and is ready to play his part in the project.
“Chelsea are building the most exciting project in global football and I’m extremely proud to be joining the club. There is so much potential for the club to continue to succeed, develop and grow,” Vivell stated.
“Under the new ownership, Graham Potter and the broader sporting team, there is a clear and sustainable philosophy underpinned by performance analysis, data and innovation, and I am looking forward to playing a part in that.”
Boehly meanwhile believes Vivell’s track record at Leipzig and Salzburg – where he discovered talents like Erling Haaland, now at Manchester City – will suffice at Stamford Bridge as well.
He said: “We are delighted that Christopher is taking up this important leadership role at the club. His work in Germany and Austria speaks for itself. We are confident he will continue on his impressive trajectory here at Chelsea.
“He will provide important support to Graham and the ownership group and play a vital part in advancing our overall vision for the club.”
Chelsea currently sit eighth on the Premier League table and are on a winless run of five league matches (D2 L3). They resume from the month-long World Cup break with a home tie against Bournemouth on December 27.
