The club’s new ownership group has fired Thomas Tuchel as head coach of Chelsea. The choice was made in response to Tuesday’s defeat against Dinamo Zagreb in the Blues’ Champions League debut.
In command of the Blues for 100 matches, Tuchel’s final one was in Croatia. The choice by Todd Boehly, Behdad Eghbali, and Jose Feliciano to break ways with the German, it is thought, was not made in a hurry. Instead, it’s a decision that was reached after a stressful few weeks at Stamford Bridge.
Tuchel’s lack of compatibility with the ownership group’s long-term plans for the team had become a source of growing concern. The club’s hunt for a sporting director, who would have collaborated with the 49-year-old, and his hesitation to continue being involved in future transfer dealings, for instance, were hardly ideal given the collaborative approach preferred.
This morning, the new owners brought Tuchel in for a face-to-face meeting where he was informed of the decision to remove him from his position.
The decision was not communicated to the players until Chelsea gave Chelsea’s formal approval.
“Thomas Tuchel, the head coach of Chelsea Football Club, has been fired as of today.
“The Club would like to publicly express its appreciation to Thomas and his team for all of their efforts during their time with the Club on behalf of everyone at Chelsea FC. After winning the Champions League, Super Cup, and Club World Cup while playing for Chelsea, Thomas will have a rightful position in the club’s history.
“The new ownership group feels that now is the appropriate moment to make this change as it has been 100 days since taking over the club and as it continues to work hard to move the club forward.
“As the Club moves quickly to select a new head coach, Chelsea’s coaching staff will oversee the team throughout training and during the preparation of our next games.
There won’t be any further comments until a new head coach is named, the statement reads.
Despite the season’s rocky start, the news regarding Tuchel surprises many Chelsea fans. With three wins, one tie, and two losses from their first six games, the Blues are presently sixth in the Premier League.
In Tuesday’s 1-0 loss away at Dinamo Zagreb, the German handled his 100th and ultimately final game as Chelsea’s head coach. There had been a lot of chatter about the club extending Tuchel’s contract, but that has since altered.
Chelsea Football Club part company with Thomas Tuchel.
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 7, 2022
