Chelsea

Chelsea

Premier League • England

Ferdinand claims Tuchel deserves no Chelsea blame after ‘sources’ reveal unruly Boehly antics – ‘From what I hear’

Thomas Tuchel speaks to the media during a Chelsea Press Conference ahead of their UEFA Champions League Group E match against Dinamo Zagreb at Maksimir Stadion

Rio Ferdinand claims that the way Thomas Tuchel’s sacking as Chelsea manager was portrayed to him by “good sources” means he deserves no blame.

The German lost his job last week after only seven games in charge this season. He won the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup in his 100-match tenure. Still, three defeats this term proved a tipping point.

In fact, it was the 1-0 Champions League loss to Dinamo Zagreb which forced Blues owner Todd Boehly to act.

Reports revealed growing tension between the leader of Chelsea’s new consortium of owners and Tuchel for a while.

And claims also emerged of American businessman Boehly trying to influence managerial decisions.

Ferdinand has now revealed that he has received information on Tuchel’s sack from well-placed sources. According to the former Manchester United defender, Boehly’s antics need examining.

“It’s a big thing with a manager being sacked and the way it happened,” Ferdinand said.

“I met him and did an interview with him just prior to that about his Chelsea team and the way it’s structured and his plans going forward. It was just really mad and it was surreal really when I heard the news coming through because the way he was talking to me on and off screen was like he was delighted to be there.

“I’ve spoken to people behind the scenes and from good sources it was as much a surprise to the coaching staff as it was to everyone outside.

“The staff had spent a lot of time speaking to the owners and from what I’m told Tuchel and his team had never had as much engagement with owners at any point in their careers.

“There’s hands on and there’s too much. From what I hear they were getting their noses too into things that should be left to a manager.”

Ferdinand mocks Boehly at Chelsea

Ferdinand then admitted that Tuchel would not have stood for such interference, hence the tension.

“Can you get away with one extra player on the pitch?” the ex-Premier League star told Vive with Five in jest.

“I’ve heard those stories, they’re trying to influence even player selection and when you get to that point you can start to understand why a manager would have some pushback.

“Tuchel, the personality and character he is, he wouldn’t have accepted that, some other characters will do as new owners say but Thomas Tuchel isn’t that guy.

“Why let him have the money if you knew you were always going to get rid of him?”

This is the second time Ferdinand has commented on Tuchel’s sacking. Last week, he revealed how the manager was open and honest with his assessment of the new Chelsea regime above him.

Meanwhile, Tuchel responded directly to his departure on Sunday, admitting that he feels “devastated”.

Blues usher in new Potter era

Both Tuchel and Chelsea drew a line in the sand and the Blues have now moved on.

Former Brighton manager Graham Potter is the new coach in charge at Stamford Bridge.

He arrives with a growing reputation, having already been labelled as one of England’s brightest managers.

His tenure begins on Wednesday, when Chelsea take on RB Salzburg in the group stages of the Champions League.

However, he will have to wait to make his Premier League debut in the Chelsea dugout. The Blues’ clash with Liverpool has been postponed due to policing concerns ahead of the Queen’s funeral on Monday.

Still, the 90 minutes against RB Salzburg will offer insight into what the Potter era at Chelsea will look like.