Thomas Tuchel said the chance at the Chelsea manager's job was 'too good an opportunity not to take' as the German spoke for the first time since being announced as Frank Lampard's successor.
Club legend Lampard was dramatically sacked on Monday following a dismal run of results left them sat 10th in the Premier League.
Owner Roman Abramovich made the decision to make a change and Tuchel, who had been out of work since being sacked by Paris Saint-Germain in December, was a candidate who could start immediately.
'It's hard to explain. My life was turned upside down in the past three days or so!' Tuchel told Chelsea's official website.
'It feels amazing to the new head coach of Chelsea and I'm really excited to be here. Me and my staff had the feeling that this was too good an opportunity not to take and personally I felt this was a chance I could not let go away.
'We could not miss this opportunity to be part of this club and to be part of the Chelsea family. To work with this squad and compete in the toughest league in the Premier League and of course the Champions League is something we are excited to take on.'
Tuchel wasted no time in getting to know the squad at his disposal as he took a late-night training session just hours after being confirmed as the new boss.
The Premier League is in the middle of a hectic run of games and Chelsea are no exception with two home games in a week against Wolves, on Wednesday, and then Burnley.
'I met with the team yesterday and worked with them last night, so it was good to get straight to work and we are ready for a difficult game tonight,' he said.
'I'm super happy to be here and really excited to get to work.'
Tuchel will need to coax a strong performance out of his players from the off on Wednesday as he is tasked with reviving a top four bid that has taken a battering in recent weeks which ultimately cost Lampard.
More to follow.