Many football pundits have viewed as an error the sacking of Thomas Tuchel by Chelsea. While many believe the sacking was not based on Chelsea’s poor defeat to Dinamo Zagreb, but the decision to sack him was taken in the summer.
Chelsea has witnessed a series of departures since the Todd Boehly-led consortium took over Chelsea. It started with the resignation of Chelsea chairperson Bruce Buck, Sporting director Marina Granovskaia and Technical and performance director Petr Cech.
Thomas Tuchel became the latest to be given his marching orders and was immediately replaced by Graham Potter. Todd Boehly has been acting as the chairperson and Technical Director for Chelsea.
However, Graeme Souness believes the new owners are getting rid of the wrong persons.
The decision could come back and hurt them, especially the sacking of Thomas Tuchel.
What did Graeme Souness say?
The Scottish Icon said on Talksport: “I liked him. When a new owner comes in, you are vulnerable as a manager. He will have his own ideas.
“With the new group that came in, not having any history in football meant they were on dangerous ground.
“Petr Cech goes, Bruce Buck goes, and Marina Granovskaia goes. I think that was not a good sign for the Chelsea supporters.
“They spent a lot of money willy-nilly, which is what [former manager] Bob Paisley used to say to us when people weren’t positively sure.
“They got rid of the wrong man. I would have kept him.
“I don’t believe the stories coming out of Chelsea are anywhere near the full picture. I think the PR at Chelsea has done a number on Tuchel to paint the new owners in a good light.
“I don’t feel sorry for Tuchel because, at the end of the day, he’s a big boy and took a job at a big football club. The pressure is on from day one.
“I think they will rue that decision.”
Graeme Souness also added that he held rumors that Todd Boehly was interfering in Thomas Tuchel’s work to the extent that he suggested he change formation to 4-3-3 and drop Edouard Mendy.
“The football world is a very small place, so you hear stories the man on the street doesn’t hear.
“What Rio Ferdinand has alluded to, that would be my sentiments as well. I have spoken to someone, he said more or less the same things.
“Boehly knows about football now and he’s been making decisions that are not for me.”
Meanwhile, Thomas Tuchel broke his silence on Chelsea sacking in an emotional letter to the Chelsea fans, saying: “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.
“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 honored 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.”
