Thomas Tuchel has revealed his devastation at being sacked by Chelsea – stating he hoped to remain in charge at Stamford Bridge for many years before Todd Boehly ruthlessly wielded the axe. The Blues confirmed the departure of their German head coach on Wednesday following the club’s bitterly disappointing 1-0 Champions League defeat to Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia on Tuesday evening – a result that proved to be the final straw for the Champions League-winning tactician.
Chelsea have since wasted no time at all in appointing Graham Potter as Tuchel’s replacement on a long-term contract after forking out £21million on a lucrative compensation package for the highly-rated 47-year-old and five members of his technical staff.
While there is a feeling of excitement about the new era in west London, there are also feelings of sorrow about the way it ended for one of the club’s most successful managers, who also guided Chelsea to the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup during his 20-month tenure.
Speaking for the first time since his dismissal, Tuchel issued an honest, classy statement to Chelsea supporters via his Twitter account.
The heartfelt message read: “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.
READ MORE: Chelsea decide first signing for Graham Potter as two January transfers targeted
Tuchel was at the heart of the club’s relentless recruitment drive, playing an integral role in negotiating transfers and identifying targets.
The departure of director Marina Granovskaia left Chelsea light on the ground upstairs, meaning Tuchel was having to work overtime and taking on additional responsibilities away from coaching the team.
In the dressing room, a number of senior players are believed to have been frustrated with his tactics and game plans, which had not delivered the results Chelsea desired.
Nonetheless, Tuchel was thanked for his services to Chelsea as he prepares to embark on a new challenge following a period of isolated reflection.
“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,” Chelsea said in midweek via a club statement.
“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.”
Tuchel is understood to be open to an immediate return to management – should the right opportunity arise.
For all the latest Sports News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
