’s dismissal as Chelsea manager could be ‘positive’ news for one of the club’s struggling stars if Graham Potter is prepared to give the squad a clean slate.
The German coach was sacked on Wednesday morning following his side’s shock 1-0 defeat away to Dinamo Zagreb in the the previous night.
also made an indifferent start to their Premier League campaign, though off-the-pitch issues and a breakdown in the relationship between Tuchel and the club’s new owners are believed to have been the defining factors.
Todd Boehly wasted no time in bringing in a replacement, with confirmed as the new manager barely 24 hours after Tuchel had been sacked.
While the 49-year-old’s departure was a surprise for many, there is a feeling that his exit could allow a number of players who were sidelined during his reign to feature more prominently and perhaps even flourish.
Chief among them is Christian Pulisic, who was used sporadically by Tuchel and appeared to lose a lot of confidence.
The American – who was blocked from leaving in the summer – was only picked to start once this season so far, while his scattergun substitute appearances even saw him brought on at right wing-back against Southampton.
But USMNT coach Greg Berhalter is hopeful that the change of manager could also transform Pulisic’s fortunes if he is given the regular game time he was denied under Tuchel.
Asked if Tuchel’s exit could benefit the American winger, Berhalter told The Associated Press: ‘I’m not happy a guy lost his job, but if this means more opportunity for Christian, then it’s positive.
‘He’s a guy that’s proven that he can perform at that level. We’ll just have to wait and see.’
Chelsea’s decision has been criticised by others, however, with Mainz sporting director Christian Heidel – who worked with Tuchel at the German club – slamming the west London club’s new owners.
Speaking to BILD, he said: ‘With Thomas it came out of the blue. The sacking is grist to the mill of those who are against investors in football. It was purely an investor’s decision.
‘Someone who has no idea about football probably thought that sixth place wasn’t good enough for him and said: “Then let’s try another coach.”
‘After only six games, I can’t think of any other reason. But Chelsea will bitterly regret this decision – they won’t get such a good coach again so quickly.’
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