Chelsea sack Thomas Tuchel after UCL defeat against Zagreb

Following their UEFA Champions League (UCL) defeat against Dinamo Zagreb, Premier League giants Chelsea have parted ways with manager Thomas Tuchel. The 49-year-old tactician reached 100 matches in charge of Chelsea against Zagreb in the UCL on September 6 and revealed that he wished to stay at the club for more years to come. However, he has since been sacked by new Chelsea owner Todd Boehly, who was one of the highest spenders in the summer transfer window after taking over the London-based side.

According to reports in England, Chelsea delivered their decision of firing him to Tuchel on Wednesday morning. As the German tactician goes out, Anthony Barry is likely to take charge of the club on an interim basis, before a replacement is appointed. As per the latest rumours, Brighton & Hove Albion manager Graham Potter is the frontrunner to replace Tuchel at Stamford Bridge.

Also Read: Harry Maguire returns in Man United vs Arsenal: How English defender played

“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,” a statement issued by the club read.

“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,” it added.

Also Read: Eden Hazard shines as Madrid overcomes Karim Benzema injury vs Celtic

Tuchel joined Chelsea on January 26, 2021, after being sacked by Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain. He signed an 18-month deal with the Blues initially and led them to win the UEFA Champions League, the Super Cup and the Club World Cup during his stay at the club.

Following the summer transfer window in 2022, which saw new Chelsea owner Todd Boehly splash record money for reinforcements, the Blues have won three of their six Premier League fixtures. They also began their UCL campaign with a narrow 1-0 loss against Croatian side Dinamo Zagreb, which was also Tuchel’s 100th match in charge of Chelsea.