Thomas Tuchel has been fired by Chelsea’s new owners, just three months after the club was formally taken over.
Despite Tuchel’s awful Champions League defeat to Dinamo Zagreb on Tuesday night, his 100th game in charge, the decision will come as a surprise to many fans and opponents.
Tuchel was notified on Wednesday morning, and Anthony Barry is expected to take temporary charge until a replacement is recruited, with Graham Potter the early leader.
While the defeat in Zagreb highlighted Chelsea’s recent collapse under Tuchel, it is believed that his dismissal is not only based on results or Chelsea’s dismal start to the season.
Regardless of Tuesday night’s setback, there had been mounting doubts that Tuchel was not the appropriate man to lead the new era under co-controlling owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, and the German’s position was believed to be in jeopardy regardless of whether he won or lost in Zagreb.
Following Tuchel’s departure, Boehly and Behdad Eghbali will work rapidly to replace him and begin talking to prospects. An approach to Brighton to meet with Potter is anticipated, with Chelsea hoping for a quick process of due diligence to recruit the appropriate guy.
Chelsea may pursue out-of-work duo Mauricio Pochettino and Zinedine Zidane in addition to approaching Potter. Benfica manager Roger Schmidt might potentially be considered.
Just minutes after informing Tuchel he had been sacked, Chelsea released a statement that read: “Chelsea Football Club has today parted company with Head Coach Thomas Tuchel.
“On behalf of everyone at Chelsea FC, the Club would like to place on record its gratitude to Thomas and his staff for all their efforts during their time with the Club. Thomas will rightly have a place in Chelsea’s history after winning the Champions League, the Super Cup and Club World Cup in his time here.
“As the new ownership group reaches 100 days since taking over the Club, and as it continues its hard work to take the club forward, the new owners believe it is the right time to make this transition.
“Chelsea’s coaching staff will take charge of the team for training and the preparation of our upcoming matches as the Club moves swiftly to appoint a new head coach.
“There will be no further comment until a new head coach appointment is made.”
