Thomas Tuchel: Why did Chelsea sack him?

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.

The whole call is believed to have barely lasted 10 minutes, as Chelsea ruthlessly dispensed with a manager who had guided them to Champions League glory just 15 months ago.

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Former Borussia Dortmund head coach Tuchel was then given a brief period to clear his desk and depart, ending a reign that began in January 2021 following the sacking of Frank Lampard.

Although Tuchel was seemingly left stunned by the abrupt nature of his dismissal, he is said to have been unhappy with life at the club in recent months – and was even expecting the decision to come during the aftermath of last week’s 2-1 defeat at Southampton.

Ever since Boehly and his consortium officially took over at Stamford Bridge in late May, Tuchel has frequently clashed with the new owners.

“The new owners