English Premier League club Chelsea on Tuesday confirmed the appointment of Thomas Tuchel as head coach replacing Frank Lampard.

Tuchel joins the London club on an 18-month contract with the possibility of an extension.

"Thomas Tuchel has been appointed as the new Chelsea Head Coach. He moves to Stamford Bridge following a two-and-a-half-year spell at French champions Paris Saint-Germain, which came to an end last month," Chelsea said in a statement on its website.

Tuchel will be the first German to manage Chelsea. He had previous stints at French club Paris-Saint Germain and German clubs Mainz 05 and Borussia Dortmund.

Chelsea had hoped to secure Tuchel's services before Wednesday's Premier League game against Wolverhampton Wanderers with the club struggling in ninth position in the table.

Tuchel paid tribute to Lampard, who was sacked on Monday after 18 months in charge following a poor run of results, while expressing his joy at joining the five-time Premier League champions.

"We all have the greatest respect for Frank Lampard's work and the legacy he created at Chelsea. At the same time, I cannot wait to meet my new team and compete in the most exciting league in football. I am grateful to now be part of the Chelsea family - it feels amazing!"

(With input from agencies)