Thomas Tuchel’s stance on Cristiano Ronaldo this summer appears to have affected his relationship with Todd Boehly amid his sacking at Chelsea, according to reports.
Just hours after the Blues lost 1-0 against Dinamo Zagreb in their opening match of the Champions League, the club confirmed they had parted ways with the German.
Tuchel is believed to have been told on Wednesday morning that he was being relieved of his duties, having spent just over 19 months in charge.
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Such news means the club are now searching for their next permanent appointment.
Brighton’s Graham Potter is said to be a frontrunner for the job, as well as former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino.
Zinedine Zidane is also being considered, but the aforementioned duo are leading the race.
The Telegraph are now reporting that throughout the summer, Boehly and Tuchel were soon having a ‘difference of opinion’.
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Ronaldo was highly speculated to be leaving Manchester United during the transfer window, with Boehly keen to sign him.
However Tuchel was not so sure on such a move and opted not to bring him in, and the report says that he was ‘exasperated at having to explain his reasons’.
Ronaldo has now remained at the Red Devils for the season, with Chelsea signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Barcelona instead.
Chelsea have had a poor start to the season overall, picking up just three wins from their opening seven games in all competitions.
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The defeat against Zagreb was also their third consecutive away loss of the campaign, and therefore a poor start to their participation in this year’s edition of the Champions League.
Brighton have given Chelsea permission for them to speak to Potter regarding the vacant role at Stamford Bridge.
The 47-year-old has been highly impressive during his time at the Seagulls, who currently sit in the top four of the Premier League with four wins to their name.
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Boehly is set to meet with Potter on Wednesday afternoon to discuss a potential hiring, with the manager having a £10 million buy-out clause in his contract at Brighton.
Chelsea have no issues with the fee as they look to bring in their new appointment as soon as possible.
The Blues next face Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, a match that could be the new manager’s first in the dugout.
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They will then return to Stamford Bridge to face FC Salzburg in the Champions League next Tuesday night in the hopes of amending the errors shown against Zagreb.
Topics: Chelsea, Thomas Tuchel, Todd Boehly, Cristiano Ronaldo
Robert Calcutt