Thomas Tuchel SACKED as Chelsea manager

FT Desk

Updated: 7 Sept 2022 11:11 BST
3 min read

Thomas Tuchel, Chelsea, 2022/23 — © ProShots

Chelsea have sacked manager Thomas Tuchel following a poor start to the season, it has been confirmed.

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The Blues announced the news just over 12 hours after the humiliating 1-0 defeat to Dinamo Zagreb in matchday one of the Champions League.

This loss proved to be the final straw for Todd Boehly and Chelsea’s new ownership, who have spent heavily this summer – only to see the club struggle badly in the first month of the season.

A statement on Chelsea’s website 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.

“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.”

Chelsea spent a world record €296 million on new players this summer, the most ever spent by a club in a transfer window in the history of football.

Chelsea Football Club part company with Thomas Tuchel.
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 7, 2022

A whole host of stars were signed, including Kalidou Koulibaly, Jules Kounde, Raheem Sterling and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

However, despite this huge investment, Chelsea have struggled badly in the opening weeks of the 2022-23 season.

They have lost three of their opening seven matches in all competitions, losing three games in a row away from home.

This included disappointing defeats at Leeds, Southampton and Dinamo Zagreb. Chelsea already find themselves five points behind the Premier League leaders Arsenal and playing catch-up in the Champions League after losing to Dinamo Zagreb on Tuesday.

Anthony Barry is set to take temporary charge of Chelsea until a replacement is found. Graham Potter is the early favourite to replace Tuchel permanently.