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      How Chelsea could line up under Graham Potter with Cristiano Ronaldo leading attack as Boehly finally gets transfer wish

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      GRAHAM POTTER is in the running to replace Thomas Tuchel as Chelsea manager.The Brighton boss is high up on the Blues’ shortlist to fill the void left by Tuchel, who was axed on Wednesday morning.
      Graham Potter is in contention to take charge of ChelseaCredit: PA
      Potter is one of the front runners to replace the sacked Thomas TuchelCredit: GETTY
      How Chelsea could potentially line up under Graham Potter
      The 47-year-old has been granted permission to speak to Chelsea and is on his way to hold talks with the club.
      Brighton will likely demand a hefty fee from the Blues to part company with their manager – who has three years left on his contract at the Amex Stadium.
      Chelsea are hoping to reach a swift agreement with Potter and have him take charge of the team ahead of Saturday’s match with Fulham.
      Should Chelsea secure the services of Potter, he could be tempted to bring some of his high-flying Brighton stars to Stamford Bridge.
      READ MORE IN SPORT
      And he could even end up managing wantaway Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo.
      Ecuador international Moises Caicedo could be one of the players poached from Brighton in the January transfer window.

      It comes as:

      The midfielder was linked with a move to Manchester United in the summer and has impressed several clubs with his recent displays.
      Centre-back Adam Webster could also follow Potter to West London as the Blues were said to be interested in signing him this summer.
      But he’s unlikely to break into the starting XI due to the recent signing of Kalidou Koulibaly.
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      And if club co-owner Todd Boehly gets his way, Potter could very well be managing five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo.
      The American was eager to make the forward Chelsea’s marquee summer signing.

      But the recently-axed Tuchel vetoed the prospect of signing the 37-year-old.
      Boehly is understood to still be keen on bringing Ronaldo to Stamford Bridge, meaning Potter could soon manage the global superstar – provided he gets the job.
      Read More on The Sun
      Chelsea’s first match of the post-Tuchel era takes place on Saturday and will see them travel to Craven Cottage to take on their West London neighbours Fulham.
      Brighton, meanwhile, will face Bournemouth in a South Coast clash the same afternoon.
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      Thomas Tuchel lands staggering £13m pay-off from Chelsea sacking with backroom staff to receive extra £2m

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      THOMAS TUCHEL is to receive a whopping £13million payout after his sacking by Chelsea, according to reports.The German boss is set for a huge pay day as the Blues relieved him of his duties following a 1-0 loss to Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League.
      Thomas Tuchel has been sacked despite winning the Champions League in 2021 after only six months in the jobCredit: PA
      Todd Boehly ahas showed his ruthless side by sacking the German gafferCredit: Getty
      Reports also indicate that Tuchel’s backroom staff are also set to land an extra £2m between them, meaning the sacking could cost Chelsea’s hierarchy around £15m.
      The Mail reports that the 49-year-old was one of the league’s highest earners on around £13m a year.
      He leaves Chelsea in sixth place in the Premier League table after a rocky start to the new season.
      Todd Boehly and the Blues’ hierarchy announced the decision to fire him 100 days into their ownership of the club following Roman Abramovich’s abrupt exit.

      It comes as:

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      Sunsport revealed how he was let go in a brutal 10-minute phone conversation this morning before the decision was officially announced.
      Reports suggest that the decision to sack the coach was made BEFORE the shock defeat to Croatian side Dinamo Zagreb.
      It was the latest disappointing result for the London side as early matches saw them get battered by Leeds and Southampton, and needing a dodgy VAR decision to squeeze past West Ham.
      Chelsea fans had a mixed reaction to the sacking but agreed it reminded them of the trigger-happy Abramovich era.
      Most read in Football
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      The Russian oligarch was notorious for having little patience for managers and spent over £110m paying out sacked coaches even before he fired Frank Lampard, the last dismissal of his reign.
      Attention has now turned to who may next occupy the hot seat at Stamford Bridge.
      Brighton boss Graham Potter is on Boehly’s list of replacements and is reportedly travelling to London today over the vacant position.
      Others in the frame include former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino and serial winner Zinedine Zidane. More

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      Chelsea SACK Thomas Tuchel LIVE: Graham Potter heads for talks with Blues, Zidane and Pochettino in frame – latest news

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      GRAHAM POTTER is favourite to succeed Thomas Tuchel as Chelsea manager after the German was sacked.The Brighton boss is heading to London for talks with the West London club.
      Zinedine Zidane and Mauricio Pochettino have also been lined up as potential replacements as odds tumble on the favourites.
      Anthony Barry will take over as interim manager while the club look to appoint a permanent replacement.
      A Blues statement said: “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.”

      It comes as:

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      Stay up to date with all the latest from Stamford Bridge…
      Silent Chelsea squad on Tuchel
      All but one of Chelsea’s squad has remained silent on social media after Thomas Tuchel’s sacking.
      Wesley Fofana was the only player as he took to Instagram to share a photo with him.
      He may have only just joined and has known Tuchel the shortest amount of time but the Frenchman is the only one to wish him farewell.

      Bark-ing mad
      Nice boss Lucien Favre seemingly didn’t know what position new signing Ross Barkley played in before signing him.
      The former England international has joined the Ligue 1 club after his Chelsea contract was terminated.
      During a press conference on Wednesday, a journalist asked Farve: “In your mind, is he [Barkley] more of a six, more of an eight?”
      And Farve’s response proved to be an admission of him being unsure where to deploy Barkley.
      He said: “I’m told he’s more of an eight.”
      Terry a fan of Potter
      John Terry lavished Graham Potter with praise on Twitter – just 15 days before Tuchel lost his job.
      The Brighton boss is on his way to meet Chelsea owner Todd Boehly later today to discuss taking over the role.
      Potter has received much praise for the style of football he has the Seagulls playing on top of helping them climb the table from a side who could go down to a team that is in the fight for Europe.
      Terry would seemingly be a fan of the new manager if it does happen to be Potter replacing Tuchel.

      Tuchel’s pay-off
      Thomas Tuchel is set to receive a whopping £13million payout after his sacking by Chelsea, according to reports.
      Reports also indicate that Tuchel’s backroom staff are also set to land an extra £2m between them.
      It takes the sacking of the German to a total of £15million .
      Boehly wants Potter in charge by Saturday
      Chelsea want Graham Potter in charge by the weekend.
      SunSport can exclusively reveal that Todd Boehly wants the Brighton boss in charge for their game versus Fulham.
      Potter is set to travel to London today to meet with the Blues’ owner to discuss taking over as manager.
      Tuchel needed more time
      Jamie Carragher thinks that Thomas Tuchel needed more time to turn around Chelsea’s fortunes.
      The ex-Liverpool defender said: “He bought Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who made his debut last night and Wesley Fofana’s played two games,
      “So the idea that this team’s been put together with a lot of money spent – I understand that – pressure comes with that and Tuchel will understand that – but he was almost like a director of football a lot through the summer as well
      “He was heavily involved in bringing the players in.
      “He should have been given more time certainly, even just the next three games which takes them up to the international break, I don’t know what the rush was right now.”
      Carragher thinks Poch is the man
      Pundit Jamie Carragher believes Mauricio Pochettino is the right man to be Chelsea’s next manager rather than Graham Potter.
      He said: “If you asked me, if I was a Chelsea supporter who I’d like to see manage my club, I’d go for Pochettino.
      “It’s a very ruthless club and I’m not sure he [Potter] is the right fit.
      “Maybe Chelsea are saying they want to do things differently in the future in terms of having a coach in charge rather than a manager or they do things behind the scenes differently.
      “But if I was Graham Potter, I would find that very hard to believe that they’re going to do things differently.
      “They’ve just got rid of a manager six games into the season. Of course, it’s a huge step up in his managerial career and Chelsea are still one of the top clubs.
      “They are still world champions right now, but you fear for Graham Potter that he’ll be in the same boat as every other Chelsea manager has for the last 10 years, unless he gets results instantly they’ll be getting themselves another new manager in 12 months.”
      Mendy rejects new contract
      Edouard Mendy has rejected Chelsea’s offer of a new deal.
      The goalkeeper has been left unhappy with what’s on the table because his salary would be less than Kepa Arrizabalaga’s despite him being Mendy’s understudy.
      The Spaniard is reportedly on £190,000-a-week.
      Leboeuf hits out at Mount
      Ex-Chelsea star Frank Leboeuf has singled out Mason Mount for criticism.
      The attacking midfielder has been a vital player for Chelsea over the last few seasons but his performance versus Dinamo Zagreb has led to criticism.
      Laboeuf told ESPN: “I want to talk about Mason because we never talk about him because he’s the little boy from Chelsea,”
      “But he disappeared! I’m sorry, Mason disappeared. I want to know where he is.
      “He’s fantastic, a great player but his involvement in the game was not enough. That was an appalling performance against a very average team.”
      Tuchel sacked via phone call
      Thomas Tuchel was left “totally shocked” after being sacked by Chelsea in a brutal 10-minute PHONE CALL today.
      SunSport can reveal Todd Boehly ended Tuchel’s 18-month Stamford Bridge love affair in swift fashion following last night’s defeat to Dinamo Zagreb.
      Champions League winner Tuchel rocked up to Cobham this morning to give his flops a post-match dressing down.
      But when he arrived at Chelsea’s training ground there was nobody there to greet him.
      Tuchel was then thrust into a call conference with the Chelsea hierarchy.
      In a relentless ten minute meeting, Tuchel pleaded for more time as he urged for a chance to turn things around but his request fell on deaf ears.
      Potter to meet Boehly
      Brighton manager Graham Potter is reportedly set to meet Todd Boehly later today.
      He is supposedly Chelsea’s first choice option and there has been contact between the club and him already.
      Brighton have given permission to Chelsea to talk to Potter.
      Credit: Getty
      Who is Anthony Barry?
      Thomas Tuchel’s sacking has paved the way for assistant coach Anthony Barry to temporarily take charge of Chelsea.
      Barry is a former hard-working midfielder who spent his career sending chills around the Football League.
      This includes two spells at Accrington Stanley where he inspired them to win the National League title in 2006.
      He also played for Yeovil, Chester, Wrexham and Fleetwood – where he won back-to-back promotions.
      However, Barry was hit hard with injuries in his mid twenties which pushed him to go into coaching back at Accrington.
      But after rapidly rising through the coaching levels, the Englishman was appointed as part of the Chelsea backroom staff ahead of the 2020/21 season.
      During Barry’s time at Chelsea, he has taken on part-time coaching roles in international football with Republic of Ireland and Belgium.
      Fans all say the same thing about Boehly
      Chelsea supporters have reacted online to the sacking of Thomas Tuchel with many commenting on Todd Boehly’s ruthlessness, similar to that of their previous owner.
      One said: “What if Roman Abramovich is running the club through Todd Boehly?”
      Another added: “Todd Boehly is Roman Abramovich in disguise. You can’t tell me otherwise.”
      One wrote: “I think Todd Boehly is just a caretaker for Roman Abramovich.”
      Another posted: “Thomas Tuchel just got sacked, Roman Abramovich is running Chelsea through Todd Boehly. You can’t tell me otherwise!”
      Odds
      Following Thomas Tuchel’s sacking bookmakers Betfair have made Mauricio Pochettino they favourite to become the next Chelsea boss.
      Betfair odds:

      Mauricio Pochettino: 11/8
      Graham Potter: 11/4
      Brendan Rodgers: 5/1
      Zinedine Zidane: 14/1
      Marcelo Bielsa 16/1
      Roberto Martinez: 16/1
      Ralph Hasenhuttl 20/1
      Diego Simeone: 20/1
      Massimiliano Allegri: 25/1
      John Terry 33/1
      Lucien Favre 33/1
      Thomas Frank 33/1
      Jesse Marsch: 33/1
      Gareth Southgate 50/1
      Frank Lampard: 50/1

      Credit: Reuters
      Three man shortlist
      Sunsport can exclusively report that Todd Boehly has already drawn up a three man shortlist as he looks to replace Thomas Tuchel.
      Brighton boss Graham Potter is top of his wishlist.
      Former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane is also on Boehly’s shortlist as well as Benfica boss Roger Schmidt.
      Former Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino is also available after leaving the Parisians earlier this year.
      It is understood the Argentine would also be open to talking with Chelsea about taking over in the dugout at Stamford Bridge.
      Unhappy Chelsea fans
      Plenty of Chelsea supporters have been left in shock by the news Thomas Tuchel has been sacked.
      Many are concerned regarding the strategy after Todd Boehly allowed Thomas Tuchel to spend so heavily over the summer.
      Boehly decision is proving unpopular and confusing to most on social media.
      I can only think something big has gone on behind the scenes because it doesn’t make sense to back a manager, give him over £250mil to spend on players, including bringing in such a specific player in Aubameyang, just to then sack him. #CFC— Olivia Buzaglo (@OliviaBuzaglo) September 7, 2022

      Potter has buy-out clause
      Brighton boss Graham Potter reportedly has a buy-out clause in his contract.
      Journalist Guillem Balague claims it would take £16million to bring him from in from the Seagulls.
      Potter is currently the bookies favourite to take over at Stamford Bridge.
      Poor form nothing new
      Chelsea’s dip in form and performances began towards the end of last season.
      Tuchel’s first 50 games were a lot better than his last 50 and the defence leaked more goals.
      100 – Thomas Tuchel took charge of exactly 100 games during his time as Chelsea boss; in his first 50 the Blues kept 31 clean sheets, but his second 50 saw them keep just 18. Diminished. pic.twitter.com/8CfvZBh7pu— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) September 7, 2022

      Some stat
      Just 350 days into his tenure as Chelsea boss, Thomas Tuchel became the first manager in the club’s history to guide the Blues to the final of each of the League Cup, FA Cup and European Cup/UEFA Champions League.
      Despite being in charge of Chelsea for just 589 days, no manager has ever reached more major domestic/European finals with the West Londoners than Tuchel (4).
      He managed Chelsea for 100 matches.
      Reunion – failed
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang reportedly decided to join Chelsea because he wanted to work under Thomas Tuchel.
      He was the striker’s manager at Borussia Dortmund.
      Aubameyang arrived on deadline day and just under a week later Tuchel is no longer in charge.
      Big money spent
      The sacking of Thomas Tuchel comes as a major shock given his £270million spending spree this summer.
      He signed the likes of Raheem Sterling for £50m, Marc Cucurella for £60m and Wesley Fofana for £70m.
      Tuchel was given just two games after the transfer window closed before being axed.
      As some concerned Chelsea fans have pointed out, what if the new boss doesn’t fancy some of the German’s big money signings?
      Tuchel’s Chelsea honours
      Thomas Tuchel won three major trophies at Chelsea:
      Champions League: 2020/21
      Super Cup: 2021
      Club World Cup: 2021
      Credit: Getty
      Who next?
      Reports suggest that first-team coach Anthony Barry will likely take charge on an interim basis for the meantime as Chelsea look for a new manager.
      But who are the early contenders to take over the vacant role?
      The bookies have Brighton boss Graham Potter as favourite.
      Graham Potter – 2/1
      Mauricio Pochettino – 5/1
      John Terry – 7/1
      Zinedine Zidane – 8/1
      Brendan Rodgers – 12/1
      Ruthless Boehly
      Previous owner Roman Abramovich was known for his brutal style of sacking manager and new man Todd Boehly is following in his footsteps.
      He has only been in charge of the club for 100 days and he has axed his first manager.
      According to the Telegraph, Tuchel lost the faith of Boehly and his players.
      And they state that his future at Chelsea would have been in doubt even if they had claimed three points against Dinamo Zagreb.
      Tuchel sacked – Club statement
      A Chelsea statement read: “Chelsea Football Club has today parted company with Head Coach Thomas Tuchel.
      “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 in 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.”
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      Thomas Tuchel had WORSE points-per-game record than Scolari and Benitez as grim stats laid bare after Chelsea sacking

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      THOMAS TUCHEL has left Chelsea with one of the worst points-per-game records in the club’s recent history.The German was stunningly given his marching orders by the Blues brass on Wednesday morning – just hours after their Champions League defeat to Dinamo Zagreb.
      Thomas Tuchel was given the boot Chelsea on TuesdayCredit: Getty
      The German leaves Stamford Bridge with one of the worst points-per-game records in the club’s recent historyCredit: PA
      Tuchel leaves west London with an average of 1.94 points per league match
      Tuchel leaves Stamford Bridge having guided the west Londoners to Champions League glory in the 2020-21 season.
      But the 49-year-old’s domestic record has seemingly cost him his job.
      Out of Tuchel’s 63 league games in charge, the Blues were only victorious in 35 matches.
      They drew a whopping 17 games and were beaten 11 times – meaning the former Paris Saint-Germain boss had a win percentage of 55.6 per cent.
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      Chelsea picked up an average of 1.94 points in each of those matches – much to the disappointment of the Stamford Bridge faithful.
      That average was less than the points picked up by former short-term bosses Luis Felipe Scolari and Rafael Benitez.

      It comes as:

      Brazilian Scolari won 56 per cent of his 25 matches in charge of the Blues and averaged 1.96 points per game.
      Benitez had a 57.7 per cent win record in his 26 matches at the helm and also averaged 1.96 points per match.
      Tuchel is eighth on the list of most successful Chelsea managers in terms of points per game.
      Avram Grant tops the list with a win percentage of 68.8 per cent and an average of 2.31 points per game.
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      Club legend Jose Mourinho is in second place with a win percentage of 66 per cent and 2.19 points per match.
      Current Spurs boss Antonio Conte rounds off the top three with a win percentage of 67.1 per cent and an average of 2.14 points each game.
      Read More on The Sun
      The Blues currently don’t have a successor lined up for Tuchel, although SunSport understands Brighton’s Graham Potter is in contention to land the job.
      Chelsea will be back in action on Saturday, travelling to Craven Cottage to take on their west London neighbours Fulham.
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      Sacked Chelsea managers and what they did next, after Thomas Tuchel is fired by the Blues following poor start

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      THOMAS TUCHEL is the latest Chelsea boss to lose his job.The German tactician, 49, was ruthlessly dismissed by new owner Todd Boehly after a drab defeat in the Champions League to Dinamo Zagreb.
      Thomas Tuchel has been sacked by ChelseaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      But Tuchel shouldn’t be too disheartened – as coaches have bounced back and found life AFTER departing Stamford Bridge.
      Some went on to manage fierce rivals, while others have disappeared into obscurity.
      And one lucky boss is lapping up life in the Caribbean paradise of Curacao.
      Claudio Ranieri, 2000-04
      The Italian boss was already in charge when Abramovich bought the club in 2003.
      Ranieri survived just one season, helping the club secure their highest ever Premier League finish at that time as runners-up.
      Famously, he would go on to miraculously lead Leicester City to the title in 2016.
      In recent seasons Ranieri’s returned to Italy, where he managed Roma and was head coach at Sampdoria.
      Last season, he desperately tried to save Watford from relegation – but left when the club was demoted to the Championship.
      Claudio Ranieri was fired one season after Abramovich’s arrivalCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Ranieri led Leicester City to an unimaginable title in 2016Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Jose Mourinho, 2004-07 and 2013-15
      The Special One is one of two managers who have been invited back to Stamford Bridge.
      In his first stint, he won consecutive league titles (the double in his second season) before things turned sour in his third and he walked away from his contract after falling out with Abramovich.
      Jose won La Liga with Real Madrid, Serie A and the Champions League with Inter, before returning to West London and winning the Premier League in his second season.
      Again, it all went wrong in his third season and he was sacked after the club lost nine of their opening 16 games.
      After that, Mourinho went to fierce rivals Man Utd – winning the Carabao Cup and Europa League.
      Following a quick minute at Spurs, Jose is with Roma in Serie A who are enjoying somewhat of a renaissance after lifting the Europa Confrence League last season.
      Jose Mourinho won consecutive titles with ChelseaCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Mourinho is causing a stir in Serie ACredit: Getty
      Avram Grant, 2007-08
      The Israeli football manager – a close friend of Abramovich – was brought in to replace Mourinho to reportedly get the best out of Andriy Shevchenko, who Jose dropped.
      However, Grant struggled to win over the fans, despite leading the club to a Champions League final in 2008 – eventually losing to Manchester United on penalties.
      A good spell at Portsmouth was followed by an ill-fated one at West Ham.
      Grant’s last job in football was in 2018, managing NorthEast United of the Indian Super League.
      Avram Grant was brought in to replace Mourinho in 2007Credit: EPA
      Avram Grant’s last job in football was in 2018 managing in IndiaCredit: Rex Features
      Luis Felipe Scolari, 2008-09
      ‘Big Phil’ came to England with a glowing reputation as one of the game’s grandmasters of football management.
      But he was fired by Chelsea after just seven months – with the club failing to sustain a title challenge and trailing Manchester United.
      Scolari seemed to lose his mojo, failing at Uzbekistani champions FC Bunyodkor – with the language barrier being his biggest obstacle.
      However, he led Palmeiras to the Copa do Brazil in 2012, but poor form in the Brazilian championship saw him sacked there.
      Most notably, as boss of Brazil at the 2014 World Cup Scolari oversaw their embarrassing 7-1 defeat to Germany.
      Scolari has also managed in China, and is now back in Brazil where in the past four years he’s had jobs at Palmeiras, Cruzeiro, Gremio and  Athletico Paranaense.
      A language barrier meant Luis Felipe Scolari failed at ChelseaCredit: PA:Press Association
      ‘Big Phil’ Scolari is back in Brazil after losing his mojo at ChelseaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Guus Hiddink, 2009 and 2015-16
      The second man to enjoy two spells at the Bridge, the Dutchman was brought in in 2009 as interim boss to restore some pride for the remainder of the season.
      He led the club to a Champions League semi-final, where they were unfortunate to lose to Barcelona. In his last game in charge in 2009, he won the FA Cup.
      Hiddink returned to the rescue in 2015 after Mourinho’s second spell left the club in tatters – guiding Chelsea to a mid-table finish after an unbeaten first 12 games before departing once the season was over.
      From August 2020, he bossed Caribbean minnows Curacao, but this year took up an assistant manager role with the Australia national team.
      Guus Hiddink has had two spells at Chelsea as interim bossCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Hiddink was named as Curacao boss in 2020 and is now in AustraliaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Carlo Ancelotti, 2009-11
      After earning a glowing reputation at AC Milan, Ancelotti was hired by Abramovich to bring the title back to Stamford Bridge.
      And the Italian succeeded in his first season, adding the FA Cup in a remarkable first year.
      But a trophyless second season saw ruthless Roman wield the axe and Ancelotti was reportedly told he was getting sacked in the corridor at Goodison Park after a defeat to Everton.
      Ancelotti then scored glam jobs at PSG, where he won the title, Real Madrid, who he won the Champions League with, and Bayern Munich – who were German champions during his tenure.
      Following a spell at Everton, he returned to Real Madrid – winning last season’s Champions League.
      Andres Villas-Boas, 2011-12
      AVB was touted as the ‘next Mourinho’ after earning his stripes at Porto, like his predecessor.
      But nine months into the job, the young boss was handed his P45 following a disappointing defeat to Watford and the belief that he struggled to assert control over his squad.
      Villas-Boas took over the reigns at Spurs briefly, before he was fired there.
      He regained credibility on the management stage with Zenit Saint-Petersburg – winning the Russian Premier League and the Russian Cup in consecutive seasons.
      In 2016, AVB took over Shanghai SIPG for a season and turned them into title contenders.
      Most recently, he bossed Marseille – who flopped in last season’s Champions League and duly sacked him in 2021.
      Andre Villas-Boas struggled to assert control of the Chelsea squadCredit: EPA
      Andre Villas-Boas was last seen at MarseilleCredit: Reuters
      Roberto Di Matteo, 2012
      When Villas-Boas was fired, his assistant Di Matteo stepped up for the top job.
      And he had a remarkable first few months as interim boss, inexplicably winning the FA Cup and Champions League.
      He was handed a two-year deal, but let go the following season after a string of poor results.
      Aside from finishing runners-up with West Brom in 2010, and earning the club promotion, his career as manager hasn’t hit the heights it did with the Blues.
      Di Matteo’s last manager role came in 2016 at Aston Villa, and lasted just four months after he was sacked for a string of poor results.
      Months after he was appointed boss, Roberto Di Matteo led Chelsea to an unlikely Champions League winCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Rafa Benitez, 2012-13
      Another year, another interim boss – this time it was former Liverpool man Rafa Benitez handed the reigns.
      His task for the remainder of the season was to steady the ship that was wavering in choppy waters under Di Matteo.
      And he won the Europa League, as well as helped the club to a top four finish before waving goodbye.
      Benitez walked away from his job at Chinese Super League side Dalian Professional.
      Then he took up a short post at Everton, but was sacked after a dismal run and replaced by former Blues man Frank Lampard.
      Rafa Benitez was an unpopular figure with Chelsea fans but they won the Europa League under him in 2013Credit: Corbis – Getty
      Antonio Conte, 2016-18
      Like Ancelotti, Conte started off life in West London in blistering fashion – landing the Premier League title in his first season.
      In his second, Chelsea won the FA Cup, but it all began to fall apart when Chelsea missed out on Champions League qualification.
      He was fired, and would later reportedly cost the club £30million in legal fees and compensation.
      Conte moved to Inter Milan in 2019, where he managed to break the stranglehold Juventus had over Serie A – winning the title.
      LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 03: Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 3, 2022 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images)Credit: Getty
      Since last season, Conte has managed Spurs – turning the club into genuine Premier League challengers. How Chelsea must look on in an envy now.
      Antonio Conte is doing a great job at London rivals SpursCredit: Getty
      Maurizio Sarri, 2018-19
      Chelsea fans certainly weren’t Sarri to see the chain-smoking Italian lose his job in 2019.
      Despite winning the Europa League and finishing third in his first season in charge, he struggled to win over the fans – with his brand of ‘Sarriball’ failing to entertain the Stamford Bridge faithful.
      He left the club after 337 days, and landed the Juventus job in 2019.
      Sarri won his first major trophy in Italian football by leading the Old Lady to the Italian championship.
      But the day after they were knocked out of the Champions League last 16 by Lyon in 2020, he was sacked… again.
      Today, he is boss of Lazio.
      Maurizio Sarri didn’t last long in the Stamford Bridge hotseatCredit: PA:Press Association
      Frank Lampard, 2019-21
      In his first full season at Blues boss, Lampard ensured Chelsea finished in the top four.
      He also was a runner-up in the FA Cup – losing in the final to Arsenal.
      Most read in Football
      But the following season, the wheels seemingly came off when Chelsea won just two of nine games and he was let go.
      Despite that, he should be fondly remembered for bringing youth stars through, including Mason Mount, Reece James and Tammy Abraham.
      Lampard is now at Everton, where he has enjoyed a mixed bag of results.
      Frank Lampard is now boss of EvertonCredit: Alamy More

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      Five managers Chelsea could hire to replace Thomas Tuchel including Mauricio Pochettino and Zinedine Zidane

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      CHELSEA have stunned fans by announcing the departure of Champions League winner Thomas Tuchel.The German was sacked by new owner Todd Boehly after Tuesday’s disastrous group stage defeat at Dinamo Zagreb.
      Chelsea have announced the shock sacking of boss Thomas TuchelCredit: Getty
      Todd Boehly is now on the hunt for a new Blues bossCredit: Getty
      And the Blues will now begin the lengthy process of finding a replacement.
      It’s certainly not unfamiliar territory for supporters, with former owner Roman Abramovich constantly switching managers.
      But who will Chelsea’s new American leaders choose for their Stamford Bridge revolution?
      SunSport’s Anthony Chapman looks at five potential options…

      It comes as:

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      Mauricio Pochettino has Premier League experience with SpursCredit: Rex
      MAURICIO POCHETTINO
      A seemingly controversial choice given his history with rivals Tottenham.
      But then again, Spurs have had no issues handing jobs to Andre Villas-Boas, Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte.
      Pochettino is a proven Premier League manager who would have won trophies at Tottenham if he’d been backed properly in the market.
      Available for free after being sacked by PSG, he is seemingly the obvious choice to take Chelsea forward.
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      Zinedine Zidane is a three-time Champions League winnerCredit: Rex
      ZINEDINE ZIDANE
      Another manager who Boehly will not have to negotiate a fee for.
      Zidane knows his way around a football pitch, both off it and on it.
      Has the top trophies to back up his reputation as an elite tactician.
      And if Chelsea want a glamorous name in the dugout, they should look no further.
      Graham Potter has built an exciting side at BrightonCredit: Getty
      GRAHAM POTTER
      SunSport can exclusively reveal Chelsea chiefs are hoping to speak to Brighton over impressive boss Potter.
      The Englishman has transformed the Seagulls from relegation candidates into European hopefuls.
      He even plays the same five-man defence as Tuchel.
      And Potter could be the perfect man should Chelsea be hoping for a long-term appointment.

      Brendan Rodgers led Leicester to FA Cup glory in 2021Credit: Reuters
      BRENDAN RODGERS
      An outside shot, former Blues coach Rodgers has experience of lifting sides to new levels.
      Liverpool, Celtic and Leicester all significantly improved with him at the helm.
      It may not be going too well with the Foxes right now – but don’t forget they only spent £15million this summer.
      Rodgers knows the league, and would likely jump at the chance to join Chelsea.
      Thomas Frank has transformed Brentford into a strong Premier League sideCredit: Reuters
      THOMAS FRANK
      Eccentric, jovial and forward-thinking – Frank could be ideal for a major shift in style at the Bridge.
      Like Potter, he has worked wonders with a seemingly lower-level squad.
      Brentford are now one of the most exciting sides in the top flight, despite having a tiny budget to work with.
      And with the riches on offer at Chelsea, Frank could take his own game to another level. More

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      Chelsea fans all say the same thing about Todd Boehly as he brutally sacks Thomas Tuchel just three months into reign

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      CHELSEA fans have been left experiencing dejavu following yet another shock managerial sacking. The club announced Thomas Tuchel’s departure after just 100 matches in charge.
      Todd Boehly has sacked manager Thomas TuchelCredit: Getty
      Roman Abramovich grew a reputation for frequent sackings at ChelseaCredit: AFP
      And on the 100th day of Chelsea’s summer takeover at the hands of Todd Boehly, the American is already braced for a new head coach.
      His predecessor Roman Abramovich was renowned for brutally swinging the axe when times got tough in the Stamford Bridge hot seat.
      Now Chelsea fans fear Boehly will keep up the tradition as they bid farewell to the popular Tuchel.
      And some even joked Abramovich is still secretly running the club through his replacement.
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      One said: “What if Roman Abramovich is running the club through Todd Boehly?”
      Another added: “Todd Boehly is Roman Abramovich in disguise. You can’t tell me otherwise.”
      One wrote: “I think Todd Boehly is just a caretaker for Roman Abramovich.”
      Another posted: “Thomas Tuchel just got sacked, Roman Abramovich is running Chelsea through Todd Boehly. You can’t tell me otherwise!”
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      Gary Lineker added: Chelsea have fired Thomas Tuchel.
      “Didn’t take long for the new owner to follow his predecessor’s policy of getting rid at the first real dip in form.”
      During Abramovich’s 19-year Chelsea reign, he hired 14 different managers and built a reputation for pulling the trigger.
      Although the Russian celebrated two Champions League trophies as well as five Premier League titles and FA Cups in the period.
      Tuchel had led Chelsea to a second Champions League trophy just two seasons ago, when he replaced Frank Lampard.

      The German then saw Abramovich leave in the summer alongside club directors Petr Cech and Marina Granovskaia.
      And his relationship with Boehly looked to have been growing after being handed over £250MILLION in the transfer market.
      But just one week after the window shut, Tuchel has been sent his marching orders.
      Brighton’s Graham Potter as well as out-of-work pair Mauricio Pochettino and Zinedine Zidane are among the frontrunners to replace him.
      Thomas Tuchel has been sacked by ChelseaCredit: AP More

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      Chelsea plan to speak to Brighton about Graham Potter as Boehly draws up three man manager shortlist to replace Tuchel

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      CHELSEA are planning to speak to Brighton today about the availability of manager Graham Potter after the shock sacking of Thomas Tuchel.Blues owner Todd Boehly ruthlessly sacked Tuchel, 49, following Chelsea’s 1-0 defeat at Dinamo Zagreb in their Champions League opener.
      Chelsea want to talk to Brighton about taking Graham Potter as their new managerCredit: Getty
      The decision follows an indifferent start to the season which has seen losses at Leeds United and Southampton before the European disappointment on Tuesday.
      However, the new Chelsea owners celebrating 100 days in control, may well have dismissed the German regardless of the result in Croatia as part of their long-term vision.
      It also comes after a stunning summer in which Boehly smashed the record for spending by one club in a single window to back Tuchel to the tune of £259.1million, only to sack him six days after deadline day.
      Brighton boss Potter is thought to have a strong chance of landing the job following their flying start to the season.
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      The south-coast side, who beat Manchester United at Old Trafford on the opening day of the season, have won four of six games so far and sit fourth, three points ahead of Chelsea.
      Blues chiefs are hoping to open talks with the Seagulls over hiring the English manager.

      Potter, 47, spent seven years as manager of Ostersund in Sweden before a season at Swansea.
      He took over from Chris Hughton at the Amex in 2019 and has steadily improved the side throughout his time at the club.
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      However, former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane is also on Boehly’s shortlist as well as Benfica boss Roger Schmidt.
      Former Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino is also available after leaving Paris earlier this year.
      It is understood the Argentine would also be open to talking with Chelsea about taking over in the dugout at Stamford Bridge. More