Thomas Tuchel reportedly turned down approaches from Manchester United and Barcelona months before being fired by Chelsea.
The 49-year-old was dismissed as Chelsea’s manager on Wednesday, but it is believed that the decision was made before Tuesday’s 1-0 Champions League loss to Dinamo Zagreb.
Graham Potter is now expected to be appointed Chelsea’s new manager, with the Brighton & Hove Albion coach travelling to London on Wednesday afternoon for discussions.
Tuchel won the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and Club World Cup while at Chelsea, as well as reaching two FA Cup finals and one EFL Cup final.
The German won 60 of his 100 matches as manager, drew 24 and losing only 16, but the club have chosen to go a different path.
According to The Telegraph, both Manchester United and Barcelona were interested in discussing with Tuchel about managerial jobs last season, but the head coach remained loyal to his now-former employer.
As per the report, Barcelona sought Tuchel after Ronald Koeman was fired last October, but Xavi was ultimately given the position at Camp Nou.
Man United, however, are thought to have been interested in the German at the end of last season due to the uncertainty surrounding the ownership stance at Stamford Bridge.
The Red Devils are thought to have considered hiring Tuchel as an alternative for interim head coach Ralf Rangnick, but Erik ten Hag was finally appointed the team’s new manager.
Tuchel has previously coached Mainz 05, Borussia Dortmund, and Paris Saint-Germain, and he began his coaching career with Augsburg II in 2007.
Related: Graham Potter Verbally Agrees To Take Chelsea Job
What Did Conte Say When Asked About Thomas Tuchel Sack?
Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte responded to questions about Chelsea’s sacking of Thomas Tuchel at his post-match press conference following his team’s 2-0 win against Marseille on Wednesday night.
Conte’s post-match press conference was centered on questions about Richarlison’s match-winning performance, but it ended with one journalist asking if he was’shocked’ by Tuchel’s unexpected exit from Chelsea.
The Italian, however refused to express sympathy for Tuchel.
The Spurs coach said, “Honestly, I don’t want to be disrespectful. I think when another club takes a decision, I think it is right to not make a comment because you don’t know what happened.”
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