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Kalidou Koulibaly explains how tough Chelsea's decision to sack Thomas Tuchel was on squad

Kalidou Koulibaly explains how tough Chelsea's decision to sack Thomas Tuchel was on squad

Chelsea announced that Thomas Tuchel had been sacked following a defeat to Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League.

Kalidou Koulibaly has revealed that it was 'tough' for the Chelsea squad once the decision was made to sack Thomas Tuchel.

Chelsea made the decision to part ways with Tuchel on September 7 after a 1-0 loss in the Champions League to Dinamo Zagreb.

It had been a stuttering start to the season for the Blues, especially considering a club record figure was spent over the summer.

Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly, Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana all completed big money moves to Stamford Bridge in the transfer window.

Poor defeats against Leeds United and Southampton as well as the loss to the Croatian champions was enough to see the German out the door.

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The following day it was quickly announced by the club that Brighton & Hove Albion manager, Graham Potter, would be replacing Tuchel at the helm.

The 47-year-old is currently unbeaten during his time as Chelsea boss and will be hoping to keep that way for as long as possible.

In his first game the Blues were held to a 1-1 draw against Red Bull Salzburg after a late equaliser from Noah Okafor.

He took charge of his second game at the weekend, where the west London side were victorious against Crystal Palace courtesy of a wonderful strike from Conor Gallagher.

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Conor Gallagher striking the ball against Crystal Palace. (Alamy)
Conor Gallagher striking the ball against Crystal Palace. (Alamy)

Potter now faces his toughest test so far as boss, Chelsea welcome AC Milan on Wednesday night in the Champions League.

It is a must win game for the Blues who sit bottom of their group with just one point from a possible six.

The players will be hoping under Potter they can turn things around in the Champions League and reach the Round of 16.

Experienced centre-back and star signing Koulibaly spoke to the media at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday and was asked what it has been like adapting to a change of head coach.

He said: "We know when we change trainers, it's tough for the players. Mr Potter spoke to us about what he expects on and off the pitch."

"We are leading in a good way, we keep on going, working to give everything he wants."

Kalidou Koulibaly warming up at Selhurst Park. (Alamy)
Kalidou Koulibaly warming up at Selhurst Park. (Alamy)

The Senegalese international continued: "It's tough, but it's the beauty of football. We always have to improve to be the best, we have a lot of talent and big players. We showed a lot of character at the weekend and we hope to show it tomorrow."

Koulibaly is yet to feature under the new head coach, and was questioned about this.

He responded: "I'm easy, I know my time will come, we have a lot of games. I will give everything in training. For the moment, I'm working good and give my best to show him that he can use me on the pitch.

"The most important is that Chelsea win this game tomorrow. We absolutely have to win tomorrow. We have prepared to win, I hope we can."

Featured Image Credit: Alamy

Topics: Chelsea, Kalidou Koulibaly, Graham Potter, Thomas Tuchel

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