CHELSEA are sinking – and it would get much worse if Thomas Tuchel abandoned ship.
The club were immediately thrown into turmoil when owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK government.
The billionaire had his assets frozen due to his close ties with Russian president Vladimir Putin.
Among the many issues and problems facing the club is a ban on any transfers – incoming or outgoing.
In addition, no new contracts can be handed out to any of the squad meaning the Blues will lose THREE key centre-backs for FREE this summer in Andreas Christensen, club captain Cesar Azpilicueta and Antonio Rudiger.
Amid the chaos, those associated with the club could be looking for a way out – and that includes Tuchel.
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Speaking last night, the German insisted he was “happy” to stay.
But rival clubs will have sniffed blood and could see an opportunity to snatch one of the best coaches in the world.
But where might Tuchel go if he were to leave Stamford Bridge?
Manchester United
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has suggested that Manchester United should take advantage of Chelsea’s off-pitch turmoil and pounce on manager Tuchel.
The Red Devils are still searching for a permanent manager ahead of next season.
Interim manager Ralf Rangnick will most likely move to an advisory role.
Writing on the Telegraph, Carragher said: “United can offer him the security and backing every top coach craves.
“Yes, it will seem a predatory move – taking advantage of Chelsea’s crisis – but from United and Tuchel’s perspective the more you consider it, the more of a no-brainer it is.”
Real Madrid
Man Utd are reportedly open to hiring Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti on a short-term basis should they fail to land their top managerial targets.
And should Ancelotti leave Real – despite sitting top of the table and knocking Paris Saint-Germain out of the Champions League – Tuchel could be a good replacement.
Tuchel’s tough managerial style could help keep Real’s dressing room in check and help maintain dominance in LaLiga.
Paris Saint-Germain
Mauricio Pochettino could find himself out of a job very soon after his PSG side capitulated in the second leg of their Champions League tie with Real.
PSG surrendered a two-goal lead with Karim Benzema scoring a 16-minute hat-trick to seal a historic comeback.
Tuchel could return to replace his predecessor… PSG with Tuchel at the wheel reached their first-ever Champions League final.
Liverpool legend Carragher also believes Tuchel got more out of the PSG squad compared to Poch.
He said: “With respect to Pochettino – who I have always rated very highly – Tuchel got more out of the PSG squad than his successor.”
Atletico Madrid
Spanish champions Atletico Madrid are enduring a tough domestic campaign.
Diego Simeone’s men are 15 points behind LaLiga leaders Real.
And should Atletico look to go in a different direction in the summer to give them a good chance of reclaiming the title, Tuchel could be their man.
The German would inherit a squad used to playing with three central defenders – which is his go-to set-up.
Manchester City
Pep Guardiola could look to leave Premier League champions Manchester City in the summer – possibly going out on a high if they can finally win the Champions League.
The Spaniard is out of contract in 2023 and could look to move into international management next.
And should City have to replace Guardiola, Champions League winner Tuchel could be their man.
Tuchel’s high-pressing style would help keep City in the title picture and would make them hard to beat in Europe.
City got a taste of how hard it is to beat a resolute Tuchel side when they lost last year’s Champions League final to Chelsea in Porto.