Todd Boehly hinted at Thomas Tuchel’s sacking in a private conversation with former Chelsea’s Billy Gilmour on transfer deadline day.
Chelsea’s new owners marked their 100th day in charge by sacking former Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain head coach Tuchel.
Tuchel guided Chelsea to three trophies in his 20-month spell at Stamford Bridge – including the UEFA Champions League – but had overseen an underwhelming start to the 2022-23 season.
Chelsea struggled in pre-season – losing 4-0 to Premier League rivals Arsenal during their tour of America – and won half of their six league matches before losing the Champions League opener to Dinamo Zagreb.
It has since emerged that Chelsea’s owners were planning to sack Tuchel before the Champions League defeat, with Boehly hinting at the sacking in a conversation with Gilmour on deadline day.
Gilmour secured a late move to Brighton during the summer transfer window, but not before Boehly attempted to convince the midfielder to remain at Stamford Bridge.
The Athletic claim Chelsea’s board were reluctant to sanction Gilmour’s exit, with Boehly urging him to wait for his chance in west London and even revealing the situation could soon change.
Gilmour, though, had made up his mind and moved to Brighton in a £9m move. He spoke highly of Graham Potter after joining the Seagulls but has since seen the manager move to Chelsea.
Tuchel broke his silence on his sacking from Chelsea on Sunday, saying it had been an ‘honour’ to be part of the club’s history.
‘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,’ he said.
‘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.’
Less than two days after Tuchel’s exit from Chelsea, English coach Potter was unveiled as the club’s new manager.
On the appointment, Boehly said: ‘We are thrilled to bring Graham to Chelsea. He is a proven coach and an innovator in the Premier League who fits our vision for the Club.
‘Not only is he extremely talented on the pitch, he has skills and capabilities that extend beyond the pitch which will make Chelsea a more successful Club.
‘He has had a major impact at his previous Clubs and we look forward to his positive impact at Chelsea.
‘We look forward to supporting him, his coaching team and the squad in realising their full potential in the coming months and years.’
Potter, meanwhile, said: ‘I am very excited to partner with Chelsea’s new ownership group and look forward to meeting and working with the exciting group of players and to develop a team and culture that our amazing fans can be proud of.’
