CHELSEA have confirmed the departure of their Champions League-winning manager Thomas Tuchel as the search for a new head coach begins for Stamford Bridge chief Todd Boehly.

Chelsea has ruthlessly confirmed the departure of Thomas Tuchel following the club’s sobering 1-0 Champions League defeat to Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia on Tuesday evening. 

The German tactician, who replaced Frank Lampard in January 2021, guided the Blues to their second Champions League title in his first season at the helm but a series of concerning displays at the start of the 2022/23 campaign has seen new co-owner Todd Boehly and Clearlake pull the trigger just seven matches into the new season.

Having dictated a world-record £273million spend, Tuchel has so far struggled to successfully integrate his recruits into his starting XI – something the now-sacked Chelsea boss was confident would happen over time.

The defeat in Zagreb was Chelsea’s third in seven matches in all competitions this season and the Blues narrowly avoided an underwhelming draw in the Premier League on Saturday when VAR chalked off a late West Ham equaliser.

Chelsea sits sixth in the Premier League table having collected 10 points from their opening six matches.

The Blues are just three points adrift of Brighton in fourth and five points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal.

Confirming the decision on their website and social media channels, Chelsea’s official club statement read: “On behalf of everyone at Chelsea FC, the Club would like to place on record its gratitude to Thomas and his staff for all their efforts during their time with the Club. Thomas will rightly have a place in Chelsea’s history after winning the Champions League, the Super Cup and Club World Cup during his time here.

“As the new ownership group reaches 100 days since taking over the Club, and as it continues its hard work to take the club forward, the new owners believe it is the right time to make this transition.

“Chelsea’s coaching staff will take charge of the team for training and the preparation of our upcoming matches as the Club moves swiftly to appoint a new head coach.

“There will be no further comment until a new head coach appointment is made.”

Chelsea is understood to have made the decision overnight before communicating their verdict to Tuchel early on Wednesday morning.

Source: express.co.uk