Tuchel Looks Back On Chelsea Dismissal With Devastation
Thomas Tuchel has spoken for the first time since being dismissed by Chelsea and says the decision has left him devastated.
Tuchel was sacked as Chelsea manager last week after the Blues lost their opening Champions League group stage game 1-0 at Dinamo Zagreb.
The defeat followed an underwhelming start domestically for the two-time European champions which saw them pick just 10 points from their first six league matches despite a heavy summer outlay on new signings, bringing in the likes of Raheem Sterling, Marc Cucurella, Kalidou Koulibaly, Wesley Fofana and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Tuchel was appointed Chelsea manager in January 2021, replacing club legend Frank Lampard in the role and he led the Blues to Champions League glory, beating Manchester City 1-0 in Portugal in May 2021.
The German tactician also led Chelsea to win the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup last year before losing the FA Cup and Carabao Cup finals to Liverpool last season.
"This is one of the most difficult statements I have ever had to write - and it is one which I hoped I would not need to do for many years," Tuchel wrote on Twitter.
"I am devastated that my time at Chelsea has come to an end.
"This is a club where I felt at home, both professionally and personally. Thank you so much to all the staff, the players and the supporters for making me feel very welcome from the start.
"The pride and joy I felt at helping the team to win the Champions League and the Club World Cup will stay with me forever.
"I am honoured to have been a part of this club's history and the memories of the last 19 months will always have a special place in my heart."
Chelsea have since appointed Graham Potter as the club's new manager.
