Chelsea sack Thomas Tuchel LIVE: Graham Potter holds talks over manager’s job

Chelsea have sacked Thomas Tuchel after a 1-0 defeat in the Champions League to Dinamo Zagreb on Tuesday, with the club now set to open talks with Brighton manager Graham Potter.

Tuchel guided the Blues to their second Champions League triumph in 2021 but had struggled so far this season, with a third defeat this week following Premier League losses to Leeds and Southampton.

A club statement on Wednesday morning read: “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 have moved swiftly and have been granted permission to open talks with Potter, who has impressed since taking charge at Brighton.

Follow all the latest updates as Todd Boehly makes his biggest decision yet since taking over at Stamford Bridge with the Blues next facing Fulham away on Saturday:

Thomas Tuchel sacked by Chelsea

• Thomas Tuchel sacked by Chelsea after defeat to Dinamo Zagreb

• Brighton manager Graham Potter given permission to talk with Chelsea

• Mauricio Pochettino and Zinedine Zidane also early contenders for job

• Next Chelsea manager odds: Brendan Rodgers among top three favourites with bookies

• Chelsea’s sacking of Thomas Tuchel mocked by Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville

• Thomas Tuchel on his relationship with Chelsea owner Todd Boehly

• MIGUEL DELANEY: At a new Chelsea, Thomas Tuchel fell victim to one of football’s oldest truths

• RICH JOLLY: Thomas Tuchel’s exit a self-inflicted wound after Chelsea’s scattergun spending

Leboeuf on Tuchel’s sacking

17:02 , Michael Jones

Former Chelsea player Frank Leboeuf has been speaking to Sky Sports News about the firing of Thomas Tuchel.

“It’s a shock. We went two shocks in 24 hours.” said Leboeuf, “The first was the absolutely horrendous match that the Blues had yesterday, and today that they decided to get rid of Thomas Tuchel.

“The owner seemed to be impatient, in many ways. Yes I’m in shock, but I can understand that Chelsea - the way that they play - the board wants to react”.

On Graham Potter possibly becoming the new boss, Leboeuf added: “He could be the man. It’s not because you’re a star because your name is Conte or Ancelotti.

“Graham Potter can bring something new, and it’s not about experience, it’s about ideas.

“I’m sure that man can handle the pressure of a big club. If he will be chosen by Mr Boehly, it’s because they think he’s capable of being the best.

“We have seen some so-called big star managers that have been unsuccessful.”

Thomas Tuchel’s exit a self-inflicted wound after Chelsea’s scattergun spending

16:56 , Michael Jones

Jurgen Klopp has seen off five Chelsea managers, plus the odd caretaker, during his time at Liverpool, but it was only four when he surveyed Thomas Tuchel’s inheritance. “This Chelsea squad is a present and I am pretty sure Thomas sees it like that,” he said in January 2021.

A few weeks later, Chelsea won at Anfield; three months after that, they won the Champions League. Klopp might have excelled as the analyst but Tuchel proved himself the alchemist, taking a group who were ninth when Frank Lampard was sacked to continental glory.

Now it is Tuchel who has been sacked. He achieved at great speed but his reign unravelled similarly quickly. His successor may deem the squad he has bequeathed a gift; for Tuchel, it looked an expensive mess. Tuchel flourished with other managers’ players and failed with his own, albeit in a small sample size. Chelsea spent around £260million this summer to get worse; arguably, to descend into crisis inside seven games.

Thomas Tuchel’s exit a self-inflicted wound after Chelsea’s scattergun spending

Why do Chelsea want Potter?

16:49 , Michael Jones

Chelsea are believed to be looking for a long-term manager who can change the culture of the club and will focus on development of all players in the squad.

Graham Potter can work within complicated footballing structures and he tends to get the best out of those players who buy into his methodology.

This summer Brighton sold Marc Cucurella to Chelsea and Yves Bissouma to Tottenham and spent significantly less on replacements but despite the outgoings the team have continued to improve.

Potter’s team play an attractive style of football too which will have drawn the eyes of the Chelsea decision makers to him.

Chelsea concerned Tuchel had 'lost his spark’

16:42 , Michael Jones

Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett says that one of the reasons for the sacking of Thomas Tuchel is that he had lost the confidence of some of the higher-ups at the club as well as a few of the senior players.

Speaking on Sky Sports news, Dorsett said: “My understanding is the bosses at Chelsea, and some of the senior players, were concerned that the spark had gone out of Thomas Tuchel, that he wasn’t communicating as well as he had done in the past.

“Recent results - not just this season but stretching back into last season - were a reason for concern, particularly after more than £250m was spent by Chelsea in the transfer window.

“What they hope they’re getting in Graham Potter is someone who will be given a mandate to come in and change the entire footballing ethos at Chelsea, from the academy right through to the senior team.

“He’ll also be heavily involved in recruitment. What Chelsea want is a style of play the fans can get behind, like the one he’s introduced so successfully at Brighton.

“It’s very clear that, unless there’s a major hurdle, Potter is very likely to be the new Chelsea manager.”

Next Chelsea manager: Jose Mourinho?

16:35 , Michael Jones

Sacked by Chelsea midway through the 2015/16 season, as the club’s title defence spectacularly imploded, Jose Mourinho is still a club legend despite since taking up jobs at Manchester United and Tottenham. Could a third spell at Chelsea happen?

Never rule anything out at Stamford Bridge.

Next Chelsea manager: Diego Simeone?

16:28 , Michael Jones

He is one of Europe’s most respected coaches and one who would bring a distinctive style to Chelsea. Simeone has led Atletico Madrid to two LaLiga titles and took the club to the verge of Champions League glory.

There are also signs that his time with Atletico has peaked and he was linked with the Manchester United job last year before Erik ten Hag took over.

This would be a difficult appointment to get over the line and it may not be what Chelsea are after.

Next Chelsea manager: Brendan Rodgers?

16:21 , Michael Jones

The Leicester manager was a candidate to replace Frank Lampard before Thomas Tuchel’s appointment early in 2021 and appears unhappy at the King Power after the club’s poor transfer window.

Even though Leicester are bottom of the Premier League, Rodgers - who is a former Chelsea coach - remains highly regarded and the Foxes beat Chelsea to win the FA Cup during Tuchel’s first season.

Given Leicester’s league position it would be a brave choice and may upset the fans but Rodgers is a proven manager and given time in the role would mould Chelsea into a formidable side.

Would the new owners be willing to give Rodgers the time though?

Graham Potter to Chelsea ‘moving at speed’ as Blues ramp up interest

16:15 , Michael Jones

Chelsea are looking to speak to Graham Potter as early as Wednesday evening, having been given permission to so by Brighton and Hove Albion.

The 47-year-old is naturally open to the discussion, and has a release clause in his contract. That clause also comes down with every year of his contract, but does contain a few variables, and isn’t as simple as a straight fee.

It is why, if a deal is struck, the likely fee would be £16m.

Brighton have granted Potter permission to speak to Chelsea as that is how they do business, and do not seek to stand in the way of conversations taking place.

Graham Potter to Chelsea ‘moving at speed’ as Blues ramp up interest

Potter’s Brighton record

16:07 , Michael Jones

Graham Potter was brought to Brighton in 2019 to bring more flare and attacking football to the club following the departure of Chris Houghton.

The Seagulls have struggled for goals at times but this season they’ve been playing some incredible football - the culmination of Potter’s three year influence - and sit fourth in the Premier League after the first six matches.

Since taking over at Brighton, Potter has overseen 120 matches, picking up 34 wins, 44 draws and 42 defeats. In that time Brighton have scored 133 goals and conceded 149.

Are these results good enough to get him a shot with Chelsea?

Mac Allister wants Potter to stay at Brighton

16:00 , Michael Jones

Brighton forward Alexis Mac Allister was asked whether the topic of Chelsea had come up with current boss Graham Potter who is touted as a possible replacement for the sacked Thomes Tuchel.

“I don’t know anything,” the midfielder said. “We didn’t speak about any situation. The boss is really important for us, we want him to be here for a long time.

“For sure [he is among the elite coaches in world football], he will be an amazing coach, hopefully he will stay here all his life but, at the same time, we know that will be difficult, but he is really important for us as a club.”

Asked how Brighton would adapt to life without Potter, Mac Allister continued: “I prefer not to think about that to be honest.

“Graham is really important for us, and we don’t think about the future. We think about the present and he is here now, and we know we’ve got an important game at the weekend. We want the coaching staff to help us win that game.”

Next Chelsea manager: Zinedine Zidane?

15:53 , Michael Jones

The former Real Madrid manager was linked with the PSG job following Mauricio Pochettino’s departure and has still not taken up a role elsewhere after leaving the Bernabeu at the end of his second spell in 2021.

Zidane has one of the most impressive managerial CVs around after winning three Champions League titles in a row at Real Madrid but it is unclear what direction Chelsea want to go.

They may decide to hire a manager with long-term goals in mind. The other obstacle seems to be Zidane’s desire to hold out for the France national team job instead of returning to club football.

Next Chelsea manager: Mauricio Pochettino?

15:45 , Michael Jones

The former Tottenham manager replaced Thomas Tuchel at Paris Saint-Germain but was sacked by at the end of last season after falling short in the Champions League.

His record of improving players, showcased during his time at Tottenham, could fit with the Chelsea ownership’s long-term plan of developing young talent and he’s freely available to take the job.

The Independent’s Miguel Delaney reports Pochettino has interested Chelsea before and would be an easier appointment to make than Potter.

Next Chelsea manager: Graham Potter?

15:37 , Michael Jones

Following the departure of Thomas Tuchel who will become Chelsea’s next manager?

The early favourite is Brighton’s Graham Potter especially after the club’s strong start to the season. Potter has caught the eye with Brighton’s style of play and is regarded as an impressive young coach, but the Chelsea job would be a significant step up.

As of Wednesday afternoon, Brighton have given Chelsea permission to speak with Potter over the vacancy and things are developing quickly with the 47-year-old.

Thomas Tuchel sacking ‘knee jerk’ and Graham Potter warned over ‘snake pit’ at Chelsea

15:30 , Michael Jones

Danny Mills believes Chelsea’s decision to sack Thomas Tuchel was a “knee jerk” decision and also warned Graham Potter about what he perceives to be a “snake pit” at Chelsea right now.

"I think it's a knee jerk reaction, Aubameyang's interviews are about playing for Tuchel. Aubameyang, they have a relationship.

“He understands him, if I was Graham Potter, I know he's a very good manager, I would be a bit weary at the moment of going into that, it's very difficult to turn down, massive football club, it's a huge step up in terms of where you can go, playing Champions League football.

“But it seems to be a bit of a snake pit. All those new players coming in, lots of different opinions. The ownership structure. We don’t know who’s sitting at the top of that. Who's in charge? Graham Potter is a very good manager and highly regarded."

David Moyes on Thomas Tuchel sacking

15:22 , Jack Rathborn

"Very surprised and disappointed,” David Moyes said.

“I want the managers stay in their job, it's a difficult job, you also understand it. Probably comes to us all at some time.

“Disappointed for Thomas. Very, very experienced manager, I don't think Thomas will be out of work for too long if he chooses not to be."

Thomas Tuchel record at Chelsea

15:15 , Jack Rathborn

Chelsea - highest win percentage in all competition

• Antonio Conte: 65.09%

• Jose Mourinho: 63.55%

• Carlo Ancelotti: 61.47%

• Thomas Tuchel: 60.00%

• Claudio Ranieri: 53.77%

• Gianluca Vialli: 53.15%

Pep Guardiola a ‘big fan’ of Graham Potter

15:10 , Jack Rathborn

Pep Guardiola on Graham Potter: “They’re a joy to watch and analyse, when you see them you are concerned about their quality.

“We will have to be at a high standard to compete against them. The quality they have in every game, they have better stats in all the departments except the final third maybe.

“I’m a big fan of Graham Potter. Big fan. I faced them for the first time against Swansea, everyone playing his position, the ball came to their position, not the players move, everybody had the freedom to move and the courage to play everywhere.”

Chelsea wanted ‘new culture’ before Thomas Tuchel sacking

14:57 , Jack Rathborn

The new owners wanted a “new culture” and a close relationship with thier coach, report Sky Sports.

They add that Thomas Tuchel was more comfortable working for people more distance and demanding less interaction day to day.

The overriding issue appears to be Tuchel just did not get on with the new American owners.

Jamie Carragher advises Graham Potter to be ‘weary’ of Chelsea promises to change ways

14:45 , Jack Rathborn

"We've heard for years they'll do things differently. When they change managers they usually get success. Maybe it'll change with Potter,” Carragher adds.

“But if I was him, I'd be weary. Sooner or later he'll move on from Brighton, everybody loves his team and the football they play.

“It'll be interesting to see if he can get those ideas across if he takes the Chelsea job."

Jamie Carragher delivers Graham Potter warning

14:37 , Jack Rathborn

"I'm not sure he's the exact fit, maybe Chelsea are saying they want to do things differently, a coach more than a manager. If I was Graham Potter I'd find it hard to believe they'll do things differently,” Carragher told Sky Sports.

“It's a huge step-up, Chelsea are one of the top clubs, they're sitll world champions.

“You fear for Graham Potter he'll be like the rest and if he doesn't get results instantly they'll be looking for a new manager in 12 months."

Thomas Tuchel’s last words as Chelsea manager

14:29 , Jack Rathborn

Thomas Tuchel admitted Chelsea are missing “everything” in the wake of a worrying 1-0 Champions League defeat at Dinamo Zagreb.

Mislav Orsic’s early goal stunned the 2021 Champions League winners at the Maksimir Stadium, with Chelsea opening Group E with a loss.

Blues boss Tuchel cut a frustrated figure on the touchline in Croatia, earning himself a yellow card on another tetchy night for Chelsea.

The Blues slipped to three away losses in a row for the first time under Tuchel, with the German coach fully accepting a number of mounting problems.

Tuchel says Chelsea missing ‘everything’ as Blues’ problems mount following defeat

Graham Potter deal to become new Chelsea manager could be finalised today

14:07 , Jack Rathborn

Chelsea are moving very quickly to hire Graham Potter as their new manager according to Nizaar Kinsella of the Standard.

The deal could even be done today, with the target to have a new manager in the dugout at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

Graham Potter to Chelsea ‘moving at speed’ as Blues ramp up interest

13:57 , Jack Rathborn

Chelsea are looking to speak to Graham Potter as early as Wednesday evening, having been given permission to so by Brighton and Hove Albion.

The 47-year-old is naturally open to the discussion, and has a release clause in his contract. That clause also comes down with every year of his contract, but does contain a few variables, and isn’t as simple as a straight fee.

It is why, if a deal is struck, the likely fee would be £16m.

Brighton have granted Potter permission to speak to Chelsea as that is how they do business, and do not seek to stand in the way of conversations taking place.

Graham Potter to Chelsea ‘moving at speed’ as Blues ramp up interest

Thomas Tuchel left ‘totally shocked’ by Chelsea sacking

13:47 , Jack Rathborn

Thomas Tuchel was left “totally shocked” after being sacked by Chelsea, report the Sun.

The news was delivered in a 10-minute phone call, the report adds.

It is unclear what is next for Tuchel, who will have no shortage of offers with his reputation enhanced by his experience at Stamford Bridge.

Graham Potter set to travel to London for Chelsea talks?

13:37 , Jack Rathborn

Graham Potter is ready to travel to London to discuss the opportunity of becoming the next Chelsea manager.

The Mirror report the Brighton boss is eager to explore the chance to replace Thomas Tuchel.

Chelsea would need to pay £16m in compensation to the Seagulls.

Warning signs for Tuchel began in pre-season

13:27 , Jamie Braidwood

A 4-0 defeat to Arsenal in pre-season led to some interesting comments from Thomas Tuchel, and the first signs that all was not right at Chelsea.

Tuchel openly questioned his team’s commitment “physically and mentally” and said his team were not “competitive”.

Why Chelsea sacked Thomas Tuchel

13:21 , Jamie Braidwood

Thomas Tuchel and new Chelsea owner Todd Boehly did not see eye to eye when it came to the club’s transfer business this summer.

Tuchel was given power over Chelsea’s transfer dealings following the departure of Marina Granovskaia, which led to the German overrulling Boehly on prospective signings - including Cristiano Ronaldo.

More here from Miguel Delaney:

At a new Chelsea, Thomas Tuchel fell victim to one of football’s oldest truths

Where does this leave Brighton?

13:14 , Jamie Braidwood

Brighton have made a brilliant start to the season, playing entertaining football, scoring goals and sitting fourth in the table.

Over six games, they have more points, goals and xG than Chelsea while only Wolves have conceded fewer goals.

Carragher believes Chelsea should go for Pochettino over Potter

13:06 , Jamie Braidwood

Carragher: “There’s no doubt Potter one of England’s top coaches, the job he’s doing right now. If you asked me, I’d go for Pochettino. The new manager would be expected to be top four at least and win trophies. If you think of Thomas Tuchel’s record, that still wasn’t good enough. There will be no bedding in period and he’ll be expected to win trophies straight away.”

Thomas Tuchel’s sacking a ‘huge shock’, says Carragher.

13:01 , Jamie Braidwood

Jamie Carragher believes the sacking of Thomas Tuchel was a huge shock as he expected differently from Chelsea’s new owners. “It’s what we expected it the Roman Abramovich era,” the former Liverpool defender said on Sky Sports. “Lots of great managers like Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti and Antonio Conte were sacked and I did feel it would be a different regime - so it is a big shock. It hasn’t been a great start but Chelsea needed the transfer window to end, get the squad they wanted and let a top quality manager have the chance to put the team together.”

Story: Chelsea to hold talks with Graham Potter to replace Thomas Tuchel

12:55 , Jamie Braidwood

Brighton have given Chelsea permission to speak to Graham Potter about the vacant manager’s job at Stamford Bridge.

Potter has become the early favourite for the Chelsea helm after the Blues sacked Thomas Tuchel on Wednesday morning.

The 47-year-old Seagulls boss has a hefty compensation clause in his Amex Stadium deal, but Chelsea’s new owners are understood to be relaxed about meeting a buyout.

Chelsea to hold talks with Graham Potter to replace Thomas Tuchel

Chelsea set to meet Brighton’s £15m compensation fee

12:51 , Jamie Braidwood

The Independent’s Miguel Delaney reports Brighton inserted a £15m compensation fee in his contract, which Chelsea are set to meet. After spending around £250m this summer, it’s another big move from Todd Boehly.

Brighton manager Potter given permission to talk with Chelsea

12:42 , Jamie Braidwood

Chelsea have moved very quickly and the club are expected to match Brighton’s compensation fee for Graham Potter.

The Brighton manager was linked with Tottenham last summer but now looks set to make the step up to a ‘big six’ club.

Chelsea target Potter set to travel to London to meet with Boehly

12:35 , Jamie Braidwood

According to Sky Sports News, Brighton have granted Graham Potter permission to travel to London and speak with Chelsea over becoming their new manager.

Rob Dorsett reports Potter will meet with Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly today.

Chelsea and Brighton already in talks over Potter

12:30 , Jamie Braidwood

Chelsea have already opened talks with Brighton over the appointment of Graham Potter.

According to Nick Purewal of the Press Association, the Chelsea hierarchy have a good relationship with their Brighton counterparts.

It follows the negotiations over the transfer of defender Marc Cucurella this summer.

Chelsea have four-name shortlist of managers to replace Thomas Tuchel

12:20 , Jack Rathborn

Chelsea have a four-name shortlist of managers to replace Thomas Tuchel, according to Fabrizio Romano.

One of those is Graham Potter, thought to be the front-runner, but Todd Boehly is diversifying the search.

The Blues will look to have a new manager in charge by the next game this weekend against Fulham.

Chelsea players not consulted over Thomas Tuchel sacking

12:15 , Jack Rathborn

Chelsea players did not know the sacking of Thomas Tuchel was coming and it has come as a surprise, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic.

The squad were not consulted on this decision and the move was made by taking soundings from various conversations over recent weeks.

Todd Boehly is taking the most responsibility for the decision.

Chelsea outsiders for top four after Thomas Tuchel sacking

12:10 , Jack Rathborn

Chelsea’s odds right now to win the league are 30/1, while they are now outsiders in the race to finish inside the top four at 11/10 with Betfair.

Arsenal and Spurs are both 8/15 with Man United just a shade longer than the Blues at 6/5.

Thomas Tuchel’s exit a self-inflicted wound after Chelsea’s scattergun spending

12:04 , Jack Rathborn

Jurgen Klopp has seen off five Chelsea managers, plus the odd caretaker, during his time at Liverpool, but it was only four when he surveyed Thomas Tuchel’s inheritance. “This Chelsea squad is a present and I am pretty sure Thomas sees it like that,” he said in January 2021.

A few weeks later, Chelsea won at Anfield; three months after that, they won the Champions League. Klopp might have excelled as the analyst but Tuchel proved himself the alchemist, taking a group who were ninth when Frank Lampard was sacked to continental glory.

Now it is Tuchel who has been sacked. He achieved at great speed but his reign unravelled similarly quickly. His successor may deem the squad he has bequeathed a gift; for Tuchel, it looked an expensive mess. Tuchel flourished with other managers’ players and failed with his own, albeit in a small sample size. Chelsea spent around £260million this summer to get worse; arguably, to descend into crisis inside seven games.

Thomas Tuchel’s exit a self-inflicted wound after Chelsea’s scattergun spending

Romelu Lukaku exit pushed Todd Boehly to hold talks with key figures in Chelsea squad

11:58 , Jack Rathborn

Romelu Lukaku’s exit this summer pushed Todd Boehly to start having deeper conversations with players surrounding Thomas Tuchel.

CBS Sports’ Ben Jacobs reports discussions were then held throughout the summer between Boehly and Cesar Azpilicueta, Thiago Silva and Reece James.

Chelsea could turn to Graham Potter to replace Thomas Tuchel

11:51 , Jack Rathborn

Brighton boss Graham Potter is the early favourite to take charge at Stamford Bridge after Chelsea sacked Thomas Tuchel.

Chelsea’s new owners sacked Tuchel on Wednesday morning, just hours after the Blues’ chastening 1-0 Champions League defeat at Dinamo Zagreb.

Owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali were understood to have already made the decision to unseat Tuchel ahead of that loss in Croatia, however.

Chelsea could turn to Graham Potter to replace Thomas Tuchel

Thomas Tuchel on his relationship with Chelsea owner Todd Boehly

11:45 , Jack Rathborn

“Very communicative, it’s necessary because we’ve never worked together. They have never owned a football club. I try to [teach them], but don’t tell them,” Thomas Tuchel said on his relationship with Todd Boehly.

“We don’t have Petr Cech on a daily basis in the building, who was alongside me, and managing a lot of daily processes in the way we were both thinking and the way Chelsea wanted to have things.

“We need to readjust, it’s a normal thing that lines of communications are new, levels of responsibilities are new. This takes time.”

Graham Potter’s buy-out clause amid Chelsea interest

11:40 , Jack Rathborn

Chelsea will have to pay £16m to buy Graham Potter out of his Brighton deal, reports Guillem Balague.

The Seagulls boss has a buy-out clause in his current contract, which expires in 2025.

Quite whether Chelsea would want to pay that immediately or negotiate a lesser fee remains to be seen.

If that price is too rich or Brighton aren’t willing to negotiate, alternative targets may appeal over the early front-runner.

Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville mock Chelsea after Thomas Tuchel sacking

11:33 , Jack Rathborn

Sky Sports pundits Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville have appeared to mock Chelsea over the club’s sacking of manager Thomas Tuchel.

Chelsea announced the German’s departure on Wednesday (7 September), following Tuesday’s surprise loss to Dinamo Zagreb in the opening round of Champions League fixtures.

“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,” a Chelsea statement read. “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.”

Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville mock Chelsea after Thomas Tuchel sacking

At a new Chelsea, Thomas Tuchel fell victim to one of football’s oldest truths

11:26 , Jack Rathborn

For all the talk of a new way at Chelsea, Thomas Tuchel ultimately fell victim to one of football’s oldest truths. He had lost authority over the players, so ended up losing his job. All of this came to a head in the dismal 1-0 defeat to Dinamo Zagreb, that again saw a Chelsea team that were a disconnected mess.

The new hierarchy made their first big managerial decision overnight, one that was ironically far swifter than any by Roman Abramovich, but the concerns had been growing for months. They actually came from another irony, that leaves the club with a significant problem and a warning as to why a sporting director is imperative.

Tuchel had actually been entrusted with more power than any modern Chelsea coach. With all of the previous football hierarchy gone, right up to Marina Granovskaia, the German was the most senior football official at the club.

At a new Chelsea, Thomas Tuchel fell victim to one of football’s oldest truths

Zinedine Zidane keen to hold tight and wait for France job

11:20 , Jack Rathborn

Zinedine Zidane is admired by Chelsea’s new owners, but the Mail report the Frenchman still intends to wait out for the France job.

With the World Cup coming up and Didier Deschamps’ future uncertain, Zidane could hold tight, report the Mail.

The shortlist, while including some great experience (Pochettino) and exciting potential (Potter), is certainly lacking depth, especially if Zidane is not keen to dive back into the club game just yet.

Graham Potter odds on to be next Chelsea manager

11:13 , Jack Rathborn

Graham Potter is quickly becoming a clear front-runner to be the next Chelsea boss.

Betfair have seen the Brighton manager cut to 4/7 favourite after being a close-second behind Mauricio Pochettino, who remains 2/1.

There has been some movement on Roberto Mancini, who is 20/1 and the best of the rest behind the aforementioned pair, Zinedine Zidane and Brendan Rodgers.

Thomas Tuchel sacked: Friction over Chelsea’s interest in Cristiano Ronaldo?

11:04 , Jack Rathborn

There was tension between Thomas Tuchel and Todd Boehly over Chelsea’s interest in Cristiano Ronaldo, report the Telegraph.

The German appeared reluctant and tired over explaining why the Manchester United forward was not an ideal signing for the Blues.

The American billionaire is also thought to have been reluctant to accept “no” when offering the player to Tuchel.

Thomas Tuchel track record at Chelsea

11:00 , Jack Rathborn

Thomas Tuchel will be remembered for Chelsea’s glorious night in Porto to win the Champions League.

But the German also reached three more finals and clinched the Club World Cup, which had previously proved illusive for the Blues.

An expect in knock-out competitions, Tuchel never quite produced consistently in the league with Manchester City and Liverpool out of reach.

Still, Tuchel secured top four twice, but the new manager will be expected to be much closer in the Premier League title race.

Next Chelsea manager odds

10:46 , Jack Rathborn

Mauricio Pochettino is the bookies’ favourite to be the next Chelsea manager.

Brendan Rodgers, under pressure himself at Leicester, is also in the running, although former Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane is more of a long shot alongside Marcelo Bielsa and Roberto Martinez.

The latest odds come via Betfair:

Mauricio Pochettino: 11/8

Graham Potter: 11/4

Brendan Rodgers: 5/1

Zinedine Zidane: 14/1

Marcelo Bielsa, Roberto Martinez: 16/1

Ralph Hasenhuttl, Diego Simeone: 20/1

Massimiliano Allegri: 25/1

John Terry, Lucien Favre, Thomas Frank, Jesse Marsch: 33/1

Gareth Southgate, Frank Lampard: 50/1

Thomas Tuchel sacking ‘unrelated to Champions League loss'

10:44 , Jack Rathborn

The decision to sack Thomas Tuchel was unrelated to the loss to Dinamo Zagreb, reports David Ornstein of The Athletic.

The decision was already made, he adds, with Tuchel’s time at Stamford Bridge lasting 20 months.

There is a determination to appoint a replacement quickly with a hire possible before the next game against Fulham.

Chelsea set to make Brighton approach today in effort to speak to Graham Potter over vacancy

10:38 , Jack Rathborn

Chelsea are set to make an approach to Brighton to speak to Graham Potter today, according to Sky Sports.

Potter would be taking a big step up in terms of prior experience, while proven options include Zinedine Zidane and Mauricio Pochettino.

Next Chelsea manager: Candidates to replace Thomas Tuchel

10:34 , Jack Rathborn

Chelsea have sacked manager Thomas Tuchel following the club’s 1-0 defeat to Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League.

A statement from the club read: “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.”

The news comes as a major shock around the Premier League, with Tuchel leading Chelsea to the Champions League title a little over a year ago.

Tuchel will leave big shoes to fill, as well as a squad that saw over £250m of investment during the transfer window.

Chelsea said they will move swiftly to appoint a new coach, but who could replace the German at Stamford Bridge?

Next Chelsea manager: Candidates to replace Thomas Tuchel

Graham Potter early favourite to be next Chelsea manager

10:31 , Jack Rathborn

Graham Potter is the early favourite to replace Thomas Tuche as Chelsea manager, reports the Telegraph.

The Brighton boss has overseen a remarkable transformation on the south coast with a slick style of play.

Potter’s current deal expires in 2025 after an extension in 2019.

Jamie Carragher praises Thomas Tuchel after Chelsea sacking

10:28 , Jack Rathborn

Jamie Carragher has praised Thomas Tuchel for his job at Chelsea and believes another club is set to get a top manager.

Gary Neville compares Todd Boehly to Ed Woodward after Thomas Tuchel sacking

10:24 , Jack Rathborn

Gary Neville has reacted to Thomas Tuchel’s sacking by comparing Todd Boehly to former Manchester United chief executive Ed Woodward.

Thomas Tuchel says Chelsea are missing ‘everything’ after Champions League defeat

10:21 , Jack Rathborn

Thomas Tuchel’s last match as Chelsea boss ended in the German insisting the team was missing ‘everything’.

A Champions League defeat to Dinamo Zagreb was the final straw for Todd Boehly and the ownership group after a poor start to the season, which included losses to Leeds and Southampton.

Tuchel says Chelsea missing ‘everything’ as Blues’ problems mount following defeat

Thomas Tuchel sacked by Chelsea after defeat to Dinamo Zagreb

10:18 , Jack Rathborn

Chelsea have sacked manager Thomas Tuchel, it has been confirmed.

The Blues confirmed the move following the 1-0 defeat to Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

The German won the Champions League in his first season at Stamford Bridge as well as the Super Cup and Club World Cup, but has paid the price for a disappointing start to the season.

Chelsea sack Thomas Tuchel as manager