Thomas Tuchel's decision to defy the wishes of Chelsea's new owner Todd Boehly and not sign Cristiano Ronaldo this summer may have played a part in the club's decision to sack him.
The German coach was relieved of his duties as Blues boss on Wednesday morning despite winning the Champions League for just the second time in Chelsea's history last year before reaching both the Carabao and FA Cup final the following season.
A shaky start to the season that has seen them win just three of their opening six Premier League games has further strained Tuchel's relationship with the board, but friction between manager and owner may have lingered from the summer transfer window just gone.
Boehly wanted the Blues to sign Ronaldo after the Portugal international made it clear to Manchester United he wanted out following their failure to qualify for the Champions League. Desperate to swoop, Boehly even met with the five-time Ballon d'Or winner's agent Jorge Mendes to try and thrash out a deal.
Tuchel was against it from the very start and is thought to have told Boehly that Ronaldo would "destroy the spirit in my dressing room", as per German outlet Bild.
The news of Tuchel's sacking came as a surprise to many, despite the stuttering start to the new campaign. Boehly deemed Tuesday night's 1-0 defeat away at Dinamo Zagreb as the final straw and cut ties with the former Paris Saint-Germain boss less than 24 hours later.
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In an announcement made via the club website, Chelsea 's board wrote: "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."
Brighton boss Graham Potter is currently being touted as the favourite to succeed Tuchel and met with Boehly on Wednesday afternoon.
