Thomas Tuchel's relationship with Chelsea owner Todd Boehly reportedly broke down over a potential transfer for Cristiano Ronaldo.
The 49-year-old was sacked on Wednesday following a 1-0 defeat to Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League.
Chelsea have started this season with three defeats and are currently sixth in the table. Tuchel's dismissal is down to more than results though.
Advert
It's been claimed he and Boehly weren't seeing eye to eye when it came to the transfer window, specifically Ronaldo.
The Manchester United striker expressed his desire to leave Old Trafford after they failed to finish in the top four.
Ronaldo was desperate to play Champions League football and a move to Chelsea appeared to be on the cards.
Boehly was keen to make a marquee signing in his first summer as owner and saw Ronaldo as the perfect opportunity. He was also drawn in by the five-time Ballon d'Or winner's 'global marketability'.
Tuchel didn't agree however and instead pushed for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who he previously worked with at Borussia Dortmund.
According to Christian Falk, Tuchel was so riled up he delivered some harsh truths about Ronaldo.
He reportedly told Boehly: "He [Ronaldo] will destroy the spirit in my dressing room."
Ronaldo scored 24 goals in all competitions but United registered their lowest-ever Premier League points tally.
Rumours also suggest Ronaldo caused a huge dressing room divide which ultimately derailed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's time as manager.
Chelsea made eight signings and their overall spend was £255 million, with Tuchel being given control of all incomings.
Graham Potter is expected to be announced as Tuchel's successor in the coming days.
Brighton and Hove Albion have given Chelsea permission to speak with Potter and he could be in the dugout for Saturday's clash with Fulham.
Topics: Chelsea, Cristiano Ronaldo, Thomas Tuchel, Todd Boehly
Daniel Marland