Chelsea’s new owners have sacked coach Thomas Tuchel, just three months after they took charge of the club.
Tuchel’s 100th and last game with Chelsea was a 1-0 loss in the Champions League on Tuesday against Dinamo Zagreb. Sources told ESPN that Tuchel, 49, was informed of the decision Wednesday morning.
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A consortium led by Todd Boyle, co-owner of LA Dodgers and Clearlake Capital, acquired the club from Roman Abramovich at the end of May and oversaw Chelsea’s record single-window spending of more than £250m on nine players.
However, sources told ESPN that relations between Boehly and Tuchel have become strained due to the club’s transfer strategy, while further concerns about the team’s poor start to the season have prompted the property to act.
Members of the club’s back team will take over temporary responsibility, and possibly also for Saturday’s Premier League trip to Fulham, as the search for a replacement for Tuchel begins.
Read club statementOn 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 have a place in Chelsea history after winning the Champions League, Super Cup and Club World Cup in his time here.
“With the new ownership group reaching 100 days since taking over the club, and as they continue to work hard to move the club forward, the new owners believe this is the time to make this transition.
“The Chelsea coaching staff will take charge of the team to train and prepare for our next matches as the club moves quickly to appoint a new head coach.
“There will be no further comment until a new coach is appointed.”
Tuchel was appointed to succeed Frank Lampard in January 2021 and led Chelsea to their second Champions League title in May of that year.
In February, he led Chelsea to win the only title that did not elude Abramovich during his 19-year tenure, the Club World Cup, by defeating Palmeiras in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
However, Tuchel then came under heavy pressure as he was the public face of the club as Abramovich was effectively forced to sell Chelsea after the UK government imposed sanctions related to his alleged ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Tuchel led the club through a difficult period on the pitch as the Boehly/Clearlake union negotiated the club’s purchase.
However, disagreements emerged over the club’s transfer strategy, and sources indicated that Buhli had become concerned that Tuchel’s messages were not reaching the players, many of whom were frustrated with his approach.
The defeat in Zagreb was the third consecutive away loss, and the first time it had occurred under Tuchel. The club is sixth in the Premier League, having won three of its first six matches.
Speaking after his loss in Zagreb, Tuchel said: “Of course I am disappointed; there is a lot to analyze, I am part of it, and it is clear that we are not where we need to be. At the moment everything is missing.”
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