The Chelsea faithful could be set to welcome Thomas Tuchel back to Stamford Bridge this season, but not in the capacity that some expected. The German coach impressed in his tenure in west London, taking over the squad from Frank Lampard that were struggling to pick themselves up.
Tuchel managed to do just that though, guiding the Blues to an unlikely Champions League final against Manchester City in Porto. In a tight affair, Kai Havertz's chip over Ederson in the clash proved to be the deciding factor, bringing home the trophy for a second time in the club's history.
The former Borussia Dortmund coach had a stellar record in cup competitions, overseeing six finals in his time at the club with three wins in that time. It wasn't enough for him to keep his job as head coach though as new owners Boehly-Clearlake decided to make a change to their philosophy.
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Speaking to Sports Star, Tuchel broke his silence on his 'early' exit from Chelsea, revealing his shock at the sacking. He said: "I loved every day at Chelsea. It came to an end too early for me, but it was out of my hands. This is also what you sign up for."
Plenty had theorised that a poor start to Graham Potter's tenure with the Blues could spell a return for the manager, but that is highly unlikely. Even more so now that a key decision has been made that will see Tuchel take over from Julian Nagelsmann as new Bayern Munich boss.
It will be the first job for the German since leaving Stamford Bridge, which could see him make a return to the ground once again in the coming months. That's because Bayern are an opponent Chelsea could face in the semi-finals of the Champions League if both sides make it past the quarter-finals of the competition.
The tournament has positive memories for Tuchel, who could repeat his feat at Chelsea of taking over in mid-season and winning the whole thing.
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