Man Utd legend Rio Ferdinand slates Chelsea decision to sack Thomas Tuchel and insists next boss will be a ‘downgrade’
MANCHESTER UNITED legend Rio Ferdinand has blasted Chelsea’s decision to sack Thomas Tuchel and has warned whoever follows the Germain will be a “downgrade”.
Tuchel was sacked after recording just two wins from Chelsea’s first six Premier League games and losing their Champions League group stage opener 1-0 to Dinamo Zagreb.
And the decision to sack Tuchel has left a lot of people scratching their heads – especially after Todd Boehly and Co backed the German to the tune of £255million.
United legend Ferdinand says he “can’t understand” the decision.
Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel: “He has a 60 per cent win rate, a lot of managers would be delighted to have that.
“It’s a giant statement from Todd Boehly and his new regime.”
It comes as:
- Chelsea ask for permission to speak to Graham Potter over vacant manager role.
- Zinedine Zidane and Mauricio Pochettino are among the favourites with bookies to replace Thomas Tuchel as John Terry priced at 33/1.
- The Blues’ brutal statement announces German relieved of his duties just 100 days after Todd Boehly takes charge.
- Chelsea news LIVE: All the latest after Tuchel’s axing.
- Tuchel sacked by Boehly in ten-minute training ground meeting as chiefs ignored plea for more time
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Ferdinand says he sensed tension between Tuchel and the new Chelsea ownership when he interviewed the Champions League-winning boss last week.
He continued: “I interviewed him (Tuchel) last week, I went to Chelsea’s training ground last week, I’ve got a really good relationship with Thomas Tuchel.
“I said: ‘what’s it like with new ownership?’ He said: ‘it’s not worse, it’s not better, it’s just new.’
“Those are his comments. It obviously wasn’t perfect behind the scenes because he would’ve said ‘nah, it’s brilliant etc’ but he was very open and honest and that’s what I love about him.”
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Brighton boss Graham Potter is the frontrunner to replace Tuchel.
Potter has held positive talks with Chelsea chiefs and the Blues would like him in the dugout for Saturday’s West London derby against Fulham.
However, Ferdinand says whoever follows Tuchel will be a “downgrade” – including Potter
Ferdinand said: “Anybody who comes in now, you would think is a downgrade on Tuchel.
“Graham Potter has done a fantastic job and will be called by bigger clubs than Brighton. But would he take it?
“He has a clear identity but the question is would he be able to handle the experienced players?
“Tuchel is a proper manager. He is honest and direct.
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“He has clarity on how he wants to play and I can’t understand it.
“It doesn’t make sense to me.”