Thomas Tuchel admits Chelsea have changed massively in recent months as Graham Potter became the latest Blues boss to be axed.
Tuchel was only replaced by Potter earlier this season, when the club’s new owners - fronted by Todd Boehly - moved to get their own man in. The German’s departure came just over a year after he guided the Premier League giants to their second ever Champions League title.
Potter was quickly drafted in as his replacement, but has lasted just six months in the Stamford Bridge dugout. The ex-Brighton boss’ exit was confirmed on Sunday night, with a statement revealing he would be leaving by mutual consent.
The axe fell after Chelsea were soundly beaten by Aston Villa last weekend, dropping into the bottom half of the table in the process. At the same time, Tuchel’s Bayern Munich were on the way to beating Borussia Dortmund 4-2 in his first game in charge of the German champions.
Speaking after Potter’s dismissal, Tuchel said: "I saw the news very late last night. The timing coincided with my appointment here. I really enjoyed working there and formed friendships for life. But the club has changed a lot, so it didn't really trigger big emotions in me."
Chelsea confirmed that Potter would now work alongside the club and help them to “facilitate a smooth transition” to their latest manager. "Chelsea FC has announced that Graham Potter has departed the club. Graham has agreed to collaborate with the Club to facilitate a smooth transition,” the official statement read.
"Chelsea would like to thank Graham for all his efforts and contribution and wish him well for the future. Bruno Saltor will take charge of the team as Interim Head Coach."
Co-controlling owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali said: "On behalf of everyone at the club, we want to thank Graham sincerely for his contribution to Chelsea.
"We have the highest degree of respect for Graham as a coach and as a person. He has always conducted himself with professionalism and integrity and we are all disappointed in this outcome.
"Along with our incredible fans, we will all be getting behind Bruno and the team as we focus on the rest of the season. We have 10 Premier League games remaining and a Champions League quarter final ahead. We will put every effort and commitment into every one of those games so that we can end the season on a high."
In his final press conference as Chelsea boss, Potter was defiant that his underperforming stars would “respond” to their latest defeat, although he will now not get the chance to do so. Like Potter, Tuchel was blindsided by his untimely sacking, candidly revealing he had hoped to stay in west London for the long-term.
“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,” he posted last September.
“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.”
