The writing was on the wall for Thomas Tuchel as he sulked through his press conference at Elland Road. Leeds United had hammered the 2021 Champions League winners in every element of August 21’s demolition, but the former head coach was adamant in blaming his own side.
It was jarring to hear someone considered to have immense tactical authority in the game give so little credit to the victors, but hindsight now casts a far harsher spotlight on what Tuchel said that afternoon. The German put the defeat squarely at the door of his own side and within two-and-a-half weeks he’s out of a job.
Of course, there is far more to Tuchel’s sacking than one defeat in West Yorkshire. Those on the Chelsea beat would suggest this has been coming since pre-season, but Leeds certainly brought things to a head.
