LONDON, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- Chelsea sacked Thomas Tuchel as first team coach on Wednesday morning, just hours after losing their Champions League debut 1-0 away to Dinamo Zagreb.
Tuesday's defeat follows a disappointing start to the season, which had also seen the club lose to Leeds and Southampton in the Premier League. Furthermore, Tuchel was also involved in an ugly touchline incident with Tottenham coach Antonio Conte after their sides drew 1-1 earlier in the season.
The former Paris Saint Germain coach had only been at the club since January 2021 when he replaced Frank Lampard.
Last season, Tuchel took Chelsea to the Champions League semifinal, before losing to eventual winners, Real Madrid, and the third place in the Premier League. Chelsea also reached the FA Cup and Carabeo Cup finals, both of which they lost to Liverpool on penalties.
The then Chelsea's Russian owner, Roman Abramovich sold the club this year to new owners, who are led by Todd Boehly.
"On behalf of everyone at Chelsea FC, the club would like to place on record its gratitude to Thomas and his staff for all their efforts during their time with the club," said a club statement.
"Thomas will rightly have a place in Chelsea's history after winning the Champions League, the Super Cup and Club World Cup in his time here.
"As the new ownership group reaches 100 days since taking over the club, and as it continues its hard work to take the club forward, the new owners believe it is the right time to make this transition.
"Chelsea's coaching staff will take charge of the team for training and the preparation of our upcoming matches as the club moves swiftly to appoint a new head coach."
This summer Chelsea has been active in the transfer market after signing Wesley Fofana, Marc Cucurella, Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Aubameyang and Fofana just arrived at the club. ■
