Chelsea FC Makes Surprising Move, Parts Ways with Thomas Tuchel

Chelsea Football Club has parted company with Head Coach Thomas Tuchel after just over 20 months in charge at Stamford Bridge. The German, who became Chelsea’s 14th full-time manager in 2021 when he replaced Frank Lampard, had been widely expected to succeed his compatriot at new club Juventus but will now remain in London as rumors link him with several Premier League clubs.

What happened

Earlier this week, Chelsea FC announced they are parting ways with head coach Thomas Tuchel. After just over 20 months at the helm of the Premier League team, his contract was terminated. Fans have been divided by the decision and a club statement said he left by mutual consent.

The German tactician has been something of a controversial figure since he took over from former midfielder Lampard in January 2021. He led Chelsea to the UEFA Champions League in his first season and was heavily backed by the owners in the transfer market this summer following a £250m+ spending spree. However, a poor start to the season put him under pressure and Todd Boehly acted following the shock 1-0 loss to Dinamo Zagreb on Tuesday night.

The 49-year-old has had success during his coaching career which started back in 2009 when he became Jurgen Klopp’s assistant at Mainz before getting promoted as first team boss in 2011. He then had short spells as Hamburg manager and Borussia Dortmund head coach before taking charge of Paris Saint Germain on a two-year contract that included PSG winning Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and Coupe de la Ligue titles during his tenure.

How it affects football

Chelsea have made the surprise decision to let go of Head Coach and Manager, Thomas Tuchel. The German had a promising start to his Chelsea career, guiding them to the Europa League final and third place in the Premier League. This was highlighted by their dismantling of Liverpool in their semi-final tie. However, cracks began to show last season and the new owners have decided it’s best for a new direction.

What next for Chelsea?

It won’t be easy to follow Tuchel’s success at Chelsea, as he won the Champions League just over 14 months ago but unrest behind the scenes and a disappointing start to the 2022/23 campaign has led to the German’s dismissal. The clubs owners are now working to bring in a replacement and it seems they want a coach who is more in-touch with the players and can express his ideas in a clear and concise manner.

The majority of fans are saddened by this outcome but are looking forward to seeing who the next manager will be. According to 1xStavka betting company, Graham Potter is favourite to take over the reigns at Stamford Bridge. He’s done wonders at Brighton and is known as one of the most exciting young coaches in Europe.

Where next for Tuchel?

Following his departure from PSG after two years in charge of the club, Tuchel found himself out of work for just under six months before Chelsea came calling. The 49-year-old is obviously an excellent tactician and shouldn’t find it hard to get a new job at a top European club. Tuchel will take his time to pick his next project and see what jobs come up over the coming months.