Chelsea have sacked Thomas Tuchel as manager of their men’s first-team following a poor start to 2022-23 season.
Tuchel’s departure comes just over 14 hours since they suffered a shock defeat away to Croatia’s Dinamo Zagreb in their opening Group E fixture of 2022-23 UEFA Champions League season.
That loss is their third defeat of the season across seven matches in all competitions, having already lost twice in the Premier League where they sit sixth following an inconsistent run of form amidst a summer of massive transfer spending on players like Raheem Sterling and Wesley Fofana.
Chelsea released the following statement in which they confirmed Tuchel’s departure: ‘Chelsea Football Club has today parted company with Head Coach Thomas Tuchel.
‘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.’
This decision brings Tuchel’s 20-month spell at Stamford Bridge to a close – having replaced Frank Lampard in January 2021 -, during which Chelsea won the UEFA Champions League at the end of 2020-21 season and finished as FA Cup runners-up in last two seasons.
Tuchel also bravely led the club through a chaotic end to last season amidst off-pitch issues as Roman Abrahimovich ended his tenure as owner, due to his links to Russia President – Vladimir Putin which led to various sanctions and sale to Todd Boehly.
Chelsea will now prepare to face Fulham at Craven Cottage in the Premier League on Saturday 10 September in a 12:30pm BST kick-off.
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