By Betsefy
Former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel reportedly pleaded with the powers-that-be to give him more time before he was officially sacked from his post.
The German was relieved of his duties on Wednesday morning in the wake of his side’s opening 1-0 defeat to Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League.
Chelsea have struggled for consistent performances during the early stages of the 2022-23 season, but it is understood that the decision to sack Tuchel was made prior to the defeat to Zagreb.
Tuchel’s 100th game in charge of Chelsea proved to be his final one, and the 49-year-old departed having recorded 60 wins, 16 defeats and 24 draws from his time at Stamford Bridge.
Despite failing to win a domestic trophy with Chelsea, Tuchel led the club to Champions League, Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup success, as well as reaching the final of the FA Cup and EFL Cup.
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According to The Sun, Tuchel was given the boot shortly after arriving at Chelsea’s Cobham training base on Wednesday morning following the team’s journey back from Croatia.
The ex-Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund head coach supposedly begged Todd Boehly and co-owner Behdad Eghbali for more time to reverse Chelsea’s fortunes, but his efforts were in vain.
Tuchel is said to have been left “totally shocked” by the hierarchy’s decision, and it is unknown if any members of the squad were present to wish him farewell.
A statement released by Chelsea on Wednesday morning affirmed that the owners felt that a “transition” was needed after 100 days of ownership in West London.
“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,” the statement read.
“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.
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“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 & Hove Albion manager Graham Potter is now expected to be confirmed as Chelsea’s new head coach, with Mauricio Pochettino, Zinedine Zidane and Ruben Amorim previously linked with the role.
Brighton are due to take on Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday, but Potter’s pre-game press conference has supposedly been cancelled as he finalises his move to Stamford Bridge.
It remains to be seen if Potter will be in place to take charge of Chelsea’s West London derby battle with Fulham on Saturday lunchtime, with Blues coaching staff currently primed to oversee operations for the time being.
