Thomas Tuchel produced an instant impact at Chelsea when his reign started one year ago. The German-born coach led his team to the Champions League trophy, beating Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in the final. Chelsea finished fourth in the Premier League and was expecting to compete for the supreme crown in England this season.
The Blues kicked off their campaign on a high note, threatening City and Liverpool with their early form. But then COVID-19 hit at Chelsea, putting them on a halt. Romelo Lukaku, N’Golo Kante, and Mason Mount missed key matches, with Tuchel and his players finding it harder and harder to impose their normal rhythm against teams they came up against.
Lukaku’s interview with Sky Sports Italy didn’t help either, indicating there might be a problem between the club’s record-signing player and the manager. Then, fresh info suggested the Belgian striker might not be the only one who’s unhappy with Tuchel’s methods.
According to The Athletic, several players are questioning Tuchel’s approach toward them. The manager’s harsh criticism from the bench has been cited as a reason for the lack of confidence shown by the attacking players. They are said to avoid taking risks to prevent Tuchel from reacting. Some in the dressing room are also reported to be unhappy with the rotation system implemented by Tuchel.
Chelsea has only won three of its last 10 Premier League games. Their lack of results has put them out of the title race, as they trail City by 10 points, having played one more game than have the defending champions.
Tuchel is now at +1400 to get the sack
Club owner Roman Abramovich is said to be supportive of Tuchel, but the Russian billionaire is known as an action-oriented boss. Jose Mourinho, Antonio Conte, Luiz Felipe Scolari, and Carlo Ancelotti have all paid a big price for their failures while working for him.
Tuchel has built a tough reputation at the clubs he’s worked for, having left both Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain after conflicts with important squad members.
Despite the turmoil at Stamford Bridge, the bookies don’t tend to believe Abramovich will take action against Tuchel anytime soon. All at +1400, Southampton’s Ralph Hasenhuttl, Leicester’s Brendan Rodgers, and Tuchel are the fifth-favorites to be the next Premier League coaches who are shown the door.
The favorite is now Sean Dyche, Burnley’s head coach, at +330, with Newcastle’s Eddie Howe behind him at +400. Newly appointed Watford manager Roy Hodgson doesn’t inspire too much stability, as he’s already third in line at +900. Man. United’s Ralf Rangnick follows at +1200.
As expected, those safest in their jobs are Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp. City’s manager is at +10000 to leave the club before the end of the season, with Klopp at +12500. Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta is behind them at +6600.
