Thomas Tuchel's decision to defy the wishes of Chelsea's new owner Todd Boehly and not sign Cristiano Ronaldo this summer may have played a part in the club's decision to sack him.
The German coach was relieved of his duties as Blues boss on Wednesday morning despite winning the Champions League for just the second time in Chelsea's history last year before reaching both the Carabao and FA Cup final the following season.
A shaky start to the season that has seen them win just three of their opening six Premier League games has further strained Tuchel's relationship with the board, but friction between manager and owner may have lingered from the summer transfer window just gone.
