Thomas Tuchel has expressed his shock at Chelsea’s decision to fire him earlier this week.
Tuchel’s final game in charge of the Blues was a 1-0 Champions League defeat to Dinamo Zagreb on Tuesday night, following an indifferent start to the season.
That dreadful performance was quickly followed by the axe the next morning, with Tom Boehly and company deciding that a change of management was required to turn the side’s fortunes around.
Graham Potter was quickly appointed on a five-year contract on Thursday after Chelsea’s new owners agreed to buy the Englishman out of his contract at Brighton.
And Tuchel, who led the Londoners to Champions League, Super Cup, and Club World Cup triumphs, has now spoken out about his unexpected departure.
The German strategist tweeted: “This is one of the most difficult statements I’ve ever had to write, and one I hoped I wouldn’t have to do for a long time.
“I’m heartbroken that my time at Chelsea is coming to an end. This is a club where I felt both professionally and personally at ease.
“Thank you so much to everyone on the staff, the players, and the fans for making me feel so welcome from the start.
Potter begs Brighton fans to forgive him for moving to Chelsea.
“The pride and joy I felt when I helped the team win the Champions League and the Club World Cup will last a lifetime.
“I am honored to have been a part of this club’s history, and the last 19 months will hold a special place in my heart.”
Tuchel, 49, took over as Chelsea manager in January 2021, succeeding Frank Lampard.
He led them to Champions League glory just months later, followed by Super Cup and Club World Cup triumphs last season.
During Tuchel’s tenure, the Blues also lost three finals, twice in the FA Cup and once in the Carabao Cup.
However, the former PSG manager will be remembered fondly for guiding Chelsea with distinction when former owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned, leaving many to wonder whether the club would even remain in business.
And, after being heavily backed in the transfer market this summer, it appeared he had the full support of the Bridge’s new powerbrokers.
However, due to poor results and the team’s underperformance on the field, his time in charge was abruptly ended.
Meanwhile, Potter has been promised more time to succeed — but Chelsea fans would not be surprised if his stay ended prematurely as well.
They grew accustomed to the Abramovich regime regularly replacing managers, and it appears Boehly will follow suit when necessary.