Thomas Tuchel's demeanour in his post-match press conference and other interviews after Chelsea's loss to Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League was a worrying sign of what could be about to happen.
The Blues have started off the new 2022/23 campaign on the wrong foot as they have already dropped significant points in the Premier League, 2016-17 style, although there doesn't seem to be a response that
Antonio Conte got appointed Chelsea manager six years ago where his team went on a winning streak which in the end, helped the club win their last league title to date. On top of an average start to domestic affairs despite the £250million plus spent by owner Todd Boehly, the Champions League run has also started in poor fashion as the 2021-22 winners were defeated by a single goal in their first Group E match.
READ MORE: Breaking: Thomas Tuchel sacked by Chelsea after Champions League defeat to Dinamo Zagreb
It was a result that not only left the players in a foul mood but also Tuchel too, who came out swinging in his post-match press conference. He said: "Of course, I'm angry at myself, I'm angry about our performance, this is a huge underperformance from all of us. It's not precise enough, it's not clinical enough, it's not aggressive enough on the ball, it's not determined enough, it's not good enough individually, it's not good enough as a team."
In the aftermath of the game at the Stadion Maksimir, #TuchelOut was trending on social media. A clear indication that some Chelsea fans are already fed up with the German and want to see a new manager work with this current crop of players. And from absolutely nowhere, the board have listened as on Wednesday morning. The Club released a statement which went as follows.
'Chelsea Football Club has today parted company with Head Coach Thomas Tuchel. 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. 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.
'There will be no further comment until a new head coach appointment is made.'
football.london previews five potential options Boehly and Co can now turn to as the search for Tuchel's successor begins.
Mauricio Pochettino
The former Spurs manager has been out of post since the summer when the ruthless decision was made by Paris Saint-Germain not only to fire the Argentinean after a poor 2021-22 campaign but also sporting director Leonardo too.
In came Christophe Galtier and Luis Campos, and this new PSG project has got off to a relatively good start, as demonstrated by the Parisians first 2-1 win in their 2022-23 Champions League group against Juventus.
Pochettino, meanwhile, has taken a little break from the game, and despite rumours that he would get his long-awaited Man United chance, the Red Devils went for Erik ten Hag instead.
Sevilla have reportedly made an approach for the former La Liga manager as pressure mounts on Julen Lopetegui. It could be a sack race between the Andalusians and Chelsea to determine who lands Pochettino first.
Graham Potter
The Brighton boss has impressed many so far this season, with the Seagulls currently sat in the top four after six games played.
Potter, who made his name with Ostersunds, has been tipped by many to land a big gig in the future, whether that be at club level with a so-called top six Premier League side or even a European club.
Alternatively, the former Swansea manager could wait to see what happens with England at the World Cup before making his next big managerial decision. The Telegraph have reported that he is the early frontrunner in this race to become the new Chelsea manager.
Luis Enrique
The current Spain manager has always been linked to the Premier League and has been linked to Chelsea in the past.
More recently, though, the former Barcelona manager was a late option for Man United, but they were told that they would have to wait until after the World Cup before he considers a return to club management.
Does Chelsea wait until after the World Cup and stick with Anthony Barry in the meantime?
Joachim Low
Chelsea have been linked with Joachim Low several times over the years, as per the Express.
The first was in 2010, shortly after the departure of Carlo Ancelotti, while his name was also thrown about when Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte left years later.
Low spent 15 years in charge of the Germany national team and worked wonders, rebuilding the country and guiding them to World Cup glory in 2014. Would he really consider club management at his stage?
Zinedine Zidane
Zidane, like Pochettino, is currently spending some time out of management - having last bossed Real Madrid before quitting the job in 2021.
He's smashed his managerial career so far, winning three Champions League titles during his first stint at the Bernabeu, and he's also won two La Liga titles.
And with Chelsea previously courting Zidane when Roman Abramovich was owner, it's possible interest would be reignited should Boehly be prompted into wielding the axe.
It is understood that the former France international is waiting for the World Cup to pass as he prefers waiting for the chance to manage the national team if Didier Deschamps fails this summer.
Chelsea fans- who do you want to see replace Thomas Tuchel after this shock and unexpected sacking? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below!
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