Thomas Tuchel has rejected the chance to make a swift return to management following his shock sacking by Chelsea last month, it has been claimed.
The highly-rated German coach was axed by new Blues co-owner Todd Boehly just seven games into the new season. The decision came as a surprise considering Tuchel had been backed significantly in the summer transfer market, but it has since emerged that the new Stamford Bridge hierarchy had been mulling over a change for some time.
Former Brighton chief Graham Potter was promptly installed as Tuchel's successor - barely 48 hours after the former Borussia Dortmund chief was dismissed.
It has now been revealed by Sport 1, via Sport Witness, that Tuchel has already been approached about a return to the dugout. Bayer Leverkusen boss Gerardo Seoane is under significant pressure right now, and the report claims that the Bundesliga outfit 'made contact' with Tuchel to gauge his interest in the position ahead of a potential change.
However, Tuchel made it clear that he was 'not interested' in the Leverkusen job. It is currently unclear whether Tuchel's decision was driven by a desire to take a break or by Leverkusen's perilous league position, with the German outfit currently second from bottom in the Bundesliga.
Despite his brutal sacking, Tuchel's stock is still high following the fine work he did at Stamford Bridge. Tuchel guided the Blues to Champions League glory just months after replacing Frank Lampard at the helm and also to victory in the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.
Join the debate! Where do you think Tuchel will end up next? Let us know here.
Chelsea looked like a team capable of challenging Manchester City and Liverpool in the Premier League title race last term but fell away before the New Year. And Tuchel then paid the ultimate price in the wake of the club's lacklustre start to the new campaign, with Boehly intent on taking the Blues in a new direction.
Tuchel expressed how difficult his exit was to take in a statement on social media. He wrote: “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. I am devastated that my time at Chelsea has come to an end.
“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.”
