How Ronaldo contributed to Tuchel’s Chelsea sacking
FT Desk
- 7 Sept 2022 14:05 BST
- 3 min read
Cristiano Ronaldo indirectly played a role in Chelsea’s sacking of Thomas Tuchel, according to Relevo.
Tuchel was sensationally sacked on Wednesday, less than 12 hours after Chelsea lost 1-0 at Dinamo Zagreb in their Champions League opener.
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There were a few reasons why Chelsea owner Todd Boehly pulled the trigger.
The first was related to results. Chelsea spent a world record €296 million in the transfer market this summer but they have started the season badly, losing three of their last five matches.
The second reason was due to Tuchel developing a strained relationship with some members of his squad.
And the third reason – and the most important according to the Daily Telegraph – was because Tuchel fell out with Boehly.
Tuchel vetoed Ronaldo transfer
And Relevo adds that the pair disagreed over the signing of certain players, with Cristiano Ronaldo the most high profile of these.
Matteo Moretto reports that Boehly had agreed a deal to sign Ronaldo, and everything had been agreed with Man Utd and with the player himself.
This came about after a well-publicised meeting between Boehly and Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes.
The deal was ready to be signed and announced but Tuchel kicked up a fuss about signing Ronaldo and demanded that he wasn’t bought.
Thus the transfer collapsed and Tuchel instead insisted on signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as his new striker.
This whole episode only added to the tension between Boehly and Tuchel, which built up throughout the summer and eventually led to the German’s sacking.
Brighton manager Graham Potter is regarded as the favourite to replace Tuchel, who left Chelsea just 15 months after winning the Champions League.
