Wesley Fofana is the first Chelsea player to open up about the dramatic sacking of Thomas Tuchel, seemingly hinting at sadness at his manager’s departure… but others who have lost faith in him remain silent
Wesley Fofana became the first player to break the silence in the Chelsea dressing room after Thomas Tuchel was sacked on Wednesday.
New owner Todd Boehly wasted no time by sacking the Germany manager after just seven games into the season and 100 days into his tenure since replacing Roman Abramovich.
Chelsea are sixth in the Premier League and have made a miserable start to the Champions League, with Tuchel disposed of hours after the humiliating 1-0 defeat by Dinamo Zagreb, his 100th game in charge.
Wesley Fofana was the first Chelsea player to report Thomas Tuchel’s sacking
They have lost their last three away games and have kept just one clean sheet in seven games so far this season.
Fofana completed his £75m move to the club just last week after Chelsea pursued the former Leicester City centre-back in the summer, behind whom Tuchel was a key driving force.
He made his debut for Chelsea on Saturday and also played in last night’s defeat but was arguably to blame for Mislav Orsic’s win.
The Frenchman posted a photo of himself and Tuchel hugging on his Instagram story, indicating his sadness at the German’s sacking.
So far, he is the only player who has commented or posted on social media about Tuchel’s expulsion.
The French defender signed for Chelsea in a £75m deal from Leicester City just last week
Chelsea sit sixth in the Premier League and have lost their last three away games in all competitions.
Tuchel leaves Chelsea after leading Chelsea to UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup glory.
Tuchel joined Stamford Bridge in 2021 to replace Frank Lampard and started by winning the Champions League in six months.
Last season, Chelsea reached the Carabao Cup and FA Cup finals only to lose to Liverpool on both occasions. They also finished third in the Premier League.
In his first 50 games they conceded just 24 goals and Tuchel was celebrated for his impact.
Tuchel played a key role in luring Fofana to Stamford Bridge after a protracted transfer saga
To close the gap on champions Manchester City and Liverpool, Chelsea’s new owners invested heavily over the summer, a record spending window for a Premier League club of more than £260m.
But Chelsea got off to a stuttering start ahead of Saturday’s game against Fulham, having already lost three times this season, all away at Southampton, Leeds and Zagreb on Tuesday.
In their last 50 games, they have conceded 53 goals, a sign of defensive collapse affecting their trophy prospects.
sports mail announced that Tuchel will be paid £13m in severance pay, with a further £2m going to his backroom staff.
sports mail understands that Chelsea have permission to speak to Brighton manager Graham Potter, who is the club’s first choice, while former Spurs and PSG head coach Mauricio Pochettino is also high on the club’s list of candidates to sign Tuchel substitute.
