Thomas Tuchel has revealed his devastation after being sacked by Chelsea, just a week before the Londoners are due to face Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.
Uncertainty still surrounds the fixture, with police resources in the capital redeployed to handle the period of mourning following the the death of Queen Elizabeth II, with a state funeral set to take place on Monday, September 19, just a day after the Reds are due to face the West London club.
But after a slow start to the new season, Tuchel has paid the ultimate price by losing his job and on Sunday he took to Twitter to share his thoughts on what was clearly an unexpected exit for the German.
Tuchel wrote: "This is one of the most difficult statements I have ever had to write - and it is one which I hoped I would not need to do for many years. I am devastated that my time at Chelsea has come to an end.
"This is a club where I felt at home, both professionally and personally. Thank you so much to all the staff, the players and the supporters for making me feel very welcome from the start. The pride and joy I felt at helping the team to win the Champions League and the Club World Cup will stay with me forever. I am honoured to have been a part of this club’s history and the memories of the last 19 months will always have a special place in my heart."
Tuchel undoubtedly had a score to settle with Liverpool after Chelsea were twice Wembley runners-up to Liverpool last season in both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup finals. Both matches finished 0-0, with the sides only separated by two penalty shoot-outs that both went in Liverpool's favour.
But when the two teams finally meet, instead it will be down to new Blues boss Graham Potter to try and do a number on Jurgen Klopp's side, who will be wary of a new manager 'bounce', while struggling with their own indifferent start to the season.
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