After the surprising exit as a coach at Chelsea, Thomas Tuchel made his first public statement and was extremely disappointed.
“I am devastated that my time at Chelsea has come to an end,” wrote the 49-year-old German coach in English on Twitter. “This is one of the most difficult statements I’ve ever had to write – and I had hoped I wouldn’t have to for many years.” Chelsea parted ways with Tuchel on Wednesday after just six match days of the Premier League season and the opening defeat in the Champions League.
Tuchel went on to tweet that Chelsea is a club “where I felt at home, both professionally and personally”. He thanked all the staff, the players and the fans who made him feel welcome from the start.
“Pride and joy” remain with Tuchel
“I will always remember the pride and joy I felt helping the team win the Champions League and Club World Cup,” wrote Tuchel, adding: “I am honored to To have been a part of the history of this club and the memories of the last 19 months will always have a special place in my heart.”
Tuchel’s contract was valid until the summer of 2024. Just a few weeks ago, the British media had speculated about an early contract extension. Tuchel had won the Champions League, the Supercup and the Club World Cup with the Blues. Chelsea have only picked up ten points from six games under him this season. On Tuesday evening, the Blues lost their opening game in the premier class embarrassingly 1-0 at Dynamo Zagreb.
Only a day after the separation from Tuchel, Chelsea had named Graham Potter as his successor.