Chelsea have announced that manager Thomas Tuchel has been sacked.There German coach, who won the Champions League with the Blues in 2021, was fired after Tuesday’s 1-0 defeat to Dinamo Zagreb.“Chelsea Football Club has today parted company with Head Coach Thomas Tuchel,†Chelsea said in their official statement.“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.â€
ZAGREB, CROATIA - SEPTEMBER 06: Thomas Tuchel, Manager of Chelsea looks on during the UEFA Champions League group E match between Dinamo Zagreb and Chelsea FC at Stadion Maksimir on September 06, 2022 in Zagreb, Croatia. (Photo by Jurij Kodrun/Getty Images)Tuchel was fired by Chelsea after 100 games in charge of the west London outfit.The loss against Dinamo Zagreb was Chelsea's third defeat of the campaign.In August, the Blues were beaten 3-0 away at Leeds United before suffering a 2-1 defeat away at Southampton nine days later.Chelsea broke the Premier League transfer spending record this summer, splashing out £253.79 million on new players, but that hasn't prevented the club from firing their revered head coach.
Was Tuchel sacked because Chelsea lost to Dinamo Zagreb?
According to The Athletic's David Ornstein, Chelsea had already decided to sack Tuchel before the defeat to Dinamo Zagreb.
Ornstein adds that Chelsea hope to appoint a replacement quickly, possibly before Saturday's Premier League fixture against Fulham.
Who will be Chelsea's new manager?
It's unclear whether Chelsea already have someone lined up to replace Tuchel, but the likes of Mauricio Pochettino and Zinedine Zidane are likely to be linked with the vacancy at Stamford Bridge.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 17: Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates at the end of the match during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final second leg match between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur at at Etihad Stadium on April 17, 2019 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
However, talkSPORT are reporting that Brighton boss Graham Potter is Chelsea's No. 1 target.