Relations between Thomas Tuchel and Chelsea’s American owners had become increasingly strained in the weeks leading up to his sacking on Wednesday morning, but the German coach was still said to be shocked by the abrupt nature of his dismissal. That’s according to sources for The Sun, who have reported that Tuchel arrived at the club’s Cobham training ground the morning after their Champions League capitulation against Dinamo Zagreb to find the complex deserted.
The 49-year-old was then summoned for a conference call with Chelsea chiefs, including chairman Todd Boehly.
At the start of that call, Tuchel is said to have explained to club bosses that turning the team’s fortunes around would take time.
However, having suffered three defeats under his stewardship already this season, Tuchel was swiftly informed that he would not be granted that time and told his services were no longer required.