Thomas Tuchel has spoken out for the first time since being fired by Chelsea, calling himself “devastated.”
After his team lost to Dinamo Zagreb 1-0 in their Champions League group stage debut, the German coach was fired and left Stamford Bridge on Wednesday morning.
During a quick 10-minute session that ended with him being dismissed, Tuchel—who has since been replaced by Graham Potter—reportedly begged Blues owner Todd Boehly for more time.
The former manager of Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain guided Chelsea to Champions League triumph in his first six months in command. He also guided Chelsea to the Club World Cup victory and two other cup final appearances.
In a message that was made much earlier than he had planned, the 49-year-old has now expressed his sorrow and thanked the staff, players, and fans for their support.
He said that this was one of the hardest things he had ever written, and I had hoped I wouldn’t have to do it for a very long time.
Tuchel was heartbroken to learn that his time at Chelsea was over.
He felt most comfortable at the club, both personally and professionally. He expressed his gratitude to the entire staff, the players, and the fans for making him feel so welcome right away.
The pride and happiness I experienced when I contributed to the team’s victories in the Club World Cup and the Champions League will never leave me.
The past 19 months will always hold a particular place in my heart, and I am honored to have contributed to this club’s history.
Several Chelsea players, including Thiago Silva, praised Tuchel when he was fired.
On social media, Silva, who worked with Tuchel at both Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, expressed his sorrow over the news and expressed the desire that he had been able to do more to retain Tuchel in his position.
