Chelsea confirm sacking of head coach Thomas Tuchel

Thomas Tuchel has been sacked by Chelsea after their 1-0 defeat to Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League. 

Despite being heavily backed in the transfer window, the new owners decided to part company with the German after he was appointed in January 2021. 

The 49-year-old won the Champions League, Super Cup and Club World Cup with Chelsea, but after 100 games in charge, he has been dismissed.

Chelsea Football Club part company with Thomas Tuchel.

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 7, 2022

It was confirmed by the club in a statement, which read: “Chelsea Football Club has today parted company with Head Coach Thomas Tuchel.

“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. 

💙 Thank you for everything, @TTuchelofficial. pic.twitter.com/olbKaoVHaD

— Absolute Chelsea (@AbsoluteChelsea) September 7, 2022

“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.”

As reported by Matt Law, Tuchel was told on Wednesday morning of being relieved of his duties.

Anthony Barry is likely to take temporary charge until a replacement is found.

Brighton's Graham Potter is the early frontrunner for the job, as per reports, with Tuchel's future claimed to be in doubt regardless of whether the Blues won, lost or drew in Zagreb.

Tuchel's final words as boss suggested the Blues were well-off the pace: "This is not who we are, this is not what we want. Individually it’s not enough and as a team it’s not enough.

"I’m part of this team, so it’s clearly not enough for a Chelsea team.

"It’s a clear under-performance. I’m there to make them over-perform, so it’s on me and I take the responsibility.

"This is not what we want, this is not who we are. Individually and as a team simply not good enough."