Thomas Tuchel has been sacked as Chelsea head coach by the club's new ownership group. The decision comes after the Blues were beaten in their Champions League opener to Dinamo Zagreb on Tuesday.
The match in Croatia was Tuchel's 100th in charge of the Blues – but it proved his last. However, it's understood the decision to part company with the German was not a kneejerk one taken by Todd Boehly, Behdad Eghbali and Jose Feliciano. Instead, it's a call made following a tense few weeks at Stamford Bridge.
Concerns had grown that Tuchel wasn't the right fit for the ownership group's long-term vision of the club. For example, his hesitancy to remain involved in future transfer business and the club's search for a sporting director, who would've worked alongside the 49-year-old, was far from ideal given the collabtorative approach favoured.
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Tuchel was called in for a face-to-face meeting with the new owners this morning and was told of the decision to relieve him from his post. football.london understands the players were not made aware of the decision until it was officially confirmed by Chelsea.
A statement from the club reads: "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."
The news about Tuchel comes as a surprise to many Chelsea supporters, despite the mixed start to the season. The Blues are currently sixth in the Premier League after three wins, one draw and two defeats from their opening six matches.
The German managed his 100th – and what turned out to be his final – match as Chelsea head coach on Tuesday in the 1-0 defeat away at Dinamo Zagreb. There had been plenty of speculation over the club offering Tuchel a new contract but that has swiftly changed.
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