Thomas Tuchel 'advised' Billy Gilmour to join Brighton and work with Graham Potter

Thomas Tuchel 'encouraged' Billy Gilmour to leave Chelsea for Brighton and Hove Albion - claiming it'd be good for him to work under Graham Potter.

Gilmour joined Brighton in a £9 million deal on deadline day and made his debut in the Seagulls' 5-2 win over Leicester City eight days ago.

The 21-year-old had seen his game time decrease under Tuchel at Stamford Bridge and after a season on loan at Norwich City, decided to seek pastures new.

According to The Athletic, Tuchel encouraged Gilmour to swap Stamford Bridge for the AMEX Stadium and develop with Potter as his manager.

Alamy)

That was in contrast to Chelsea owner Todd Boehly, who wanted Gilmour to stay and fight for his place.

Within seven days, Tuchel had been sacked by Chelsea and replaced by Potter. That news will have shocked nobody more than Gilmour, who spoke fondly about Potter in his first interview as a Brighton player.

"For me, Brighton play great football and a style I like to play, nice passing," the Scotland international explained. "The manager is highly thought of as well, he's really good. I thought I wanted to come here.

"I also know a couple of players here, Levi [Colwill] and Tariq [Lamptey] so I've asked them and they've told me how good of a club it's been."

Alamy)

Tuchel was sacked on Wednesday following a 1-0 defeat to Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League a day prior.

The 49-year-old joined Chelsea in January 2021 and won the Champions League in his debut campaign. Tuchel then won the UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup last term, while guiding the Blues to the Carabao and FA Cup final.

He released a statement on Sunday evening which reads: "This is one of the most difficult statements I have ever had to write - and it is one which I hoped I would not need to do for many years. I am devastated that my time at Chelsea has come to an end.

Alamy)

"This is a club where I felt at home, both professionally and personally. Thank you so much to all the staff, the players and the supporters for making me feel very welcome from the start.

"The pride and joy I felt at helping the team to win the Champions League and the Club World Cup will stay with me forever. I am honoured to have been a part of this club’s history and the memories of the last 19 months will always have a special place in my heart."