Search Commences For Replacement
Thomas Tuchel has paid the ultimate price for Chelsea’s inconsistent start to the new football season. Tuesday’s 1-0 loss to Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League proved to be the final straw for the Stamford Bridge board – led by new co-owner Todd Boehly.
The club decided to part ways with manager Thomas Tuchel following Tuesday’s night’s Champions League defeat. The 49-year-old former Borussia Dortmund and Paris St-Germain boss leaves Stamford Bridge after 20 months.
Owner Todd Boehly has placed Tuchel’s coaching staff in temporary charge until a replacement is found.
The reason for Tuchel’s sack is tied to performance.
Chelsea have picked up just 10 points from six Premier League games so far this season, after spending the most of any English club in the transfer market – £278.4 million ($319.9m/€323m). Tuchel has been dismissed after 20 months in the role, during which time he delivered the club’s second Champions League title and UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup honours.
And what’s more?
The Blues have lost to Southampton, Leeds and Zagreb so far this season, as well as being held at home by Tottenham.
As Chelsea hunt for Tuchel’s replacement, there is very little time to reflect on the decision. They take on west London rivals Fulham on September 10, before their second Champions League group stage clash against Red Bull Salzburg on September 14.
A club statement said the owners believe it is “the right time” to bring in a new head coach.
“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,” the statement read.
“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.”
Tuchel was appointed on 26 January, 2021, replacing Frank Lampard, and guided the club to their second Champions League title just four months later.
He went on to add the Uefa Super Cup and Fifa Club World Cup later that year.
