One hundred days on from Chelsea entering new ownership, and with one hundred games played as manager, Thomas Tuchel has been relieved of his duties at Chelsea FC.
With the sacking of Scott Parker in the wake of their 9-0 defeat to Liverpool, Tuchel – perhaps surprisingly – becomes the second casualty of the 2022 Premier League campaign and the first of the ‘big six’.
Tuchel has been critical of his now former squad in recent weeks, dubbing them ‘defensively soft’ following a 2-1 loss to Southampton last week, followed by a damning review of their performance against Dinamo Zagreb in the opening game of this year’s Champions League campaign on Monday night.
The club are currently in sixth in the Premier League, trailing London rivals Tottenham (third) and Arsenal (first). The club released a short statement on Wednesday morning confirming Tuchel’s departure.
Chelsea statement
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.
Via Chelsea FC
Chelsea Football Club part company with Thomas Tuchel.
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 7, 2022
Who next for Chelsea?
With Tuchel’s departure immediate, the club’s coaching staff will be taking over matters until a permanent coach is appointed. How swift Chelsea will act remains to be seen.
Former Tottenham and PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino could be in the frame for a return to the Premier League, reports earlier this week linking him with the Sevilla post. Having departed Real Madrid, Zinedine Zidane has also emerged as a possible contender, with Brighton’s Graham Potter seen as a potential homegrown option.
Additional reporting Ken McGuire.
