'Stunned' Thomas Tuchel arrived at an empty Chelsea training ground before 'ruthless' sacking

Thomas Tuchel arrived at Chelsea's training complex and found it 'deserted' before his sacking on Wednesday morning.

The 49-year-old's relationship with American owner Todd Boehly is said to have been strained and a 1-0 defeat to Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League on Tuesday was the final straw.

According to The Sun, Tuchel reported for training at Cobham as normal before being summoned for a call with Blues bosses, including chairman Boehly.

Tuchel then explained it would take time to turn Chelsea's season around after a three losses in the opening month.

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The prior evening's result saw the board inform Tuchel he would be relieved of his duties.

It's said the call was 10 minutes and Tuchel was given time to pack his belongings.

Despite the abruptness from of the sacking from the outside, the 49-year-old was privately expecting it last week.

Sources claim he took issue with the new owners wanting to control every aspect of the club on the pitch.

They explained: "The new owners want to be everything. They want to buy the players and coach the players if they can."

Chelsea signed eight new players in the transfer window and spent just over £255 million. One point of contention was a move for Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner was keen to leave United in search of Champions League football and Boehly saw him as a statement signing in his first transfer window as owner. Tuchel vetoed any move for Ronaldo and argued he wouldn't fit in the squad.

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Tuchel won the Champions League in 2021 and was a popular figure among supporters, who he loved back.

Talks over a new contract were scheduled as recently as last month, but those were shelved as communication broke down.

A number of players are said to have become disillusioned with life at Stamford Bridge, including Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech.

It's said Pulisic openly aired his grievances while on international duty with the USA and he's been played out of position ahead of this winter's World Cup.

Meanwhile, Ziyech cut a frustrated figure out in Croatia. Both players attempted to leave in the summer but failed to secure a move away.

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The search for a new manager is underway and Brighton and Hove Albion boss Graham Potter is currently the favourite.

Brighton have granted Potter permission to speak with Chelsea after the reigning world champions indicated they were ready to pay his release clause.