Chelsea favourite Michael Ballack has labelled the decision to sack Thomas Tuchel as ‘incomprehensible’ and owner Todd Boehly of using an ‘elbow mentality’.
Tuchel was sacked by Chelsea at the beginning of September following a slow start to the season and defeat to Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League.
The move came as a huge surprise to many given the German coach had guided Chelsea to Champions League success in his first six months in charge and two cup finals last year.
It also came after a summer in which he had been backed in the transfer window, particularly with the late signing of Pierre Emerick Aubameyang, who had specifically been targeted by Tuchel after working together earlier in their careers.
From the outside looking in it seemed a rash decision from new owner Todd Boehly, and it seems Ballack was less than impressed.
“I was surprised by the sacking. For me it was incomprehensible when a coach is dismissed so quickly,” he told SportBILD.
“Especially because Thomas Tuchel had such a great success like winning the Champions League.
“You can see that a new owner brings a new philosophy with a new understanding of ideas. Everyone has their own people they want to rely on, so they made the hard cut with the trainer.
“We have to see if it works in the long term. I believe that you have to approach such a successful and big club carefully. Chelsea doesn’t need any upheaval! Todd Boehly is doing it differently now with his elbow mentality.”
For now, the focus is on Graham Potter and whether he can get the best out of a squad packed with big names.
One of those is Kai Havertz, who has had an indifferent time at Chelsea since arriving in a £72m deal from Bayer Leverkusen in September 2020.
He joined the Blues as one of the hottest prospects in Europe following his time with the German side, where he had established himself as a star playing in the number ten position.
He’s often found himself as the main striker for Chelsea, though, as well as playing the position for Germany under Hansi Flick, something Ballack is also unconvinced by.
“Kai has proven – even before that with Chelsea – that he can fill the striker role well,” he added.
“It’s a pity, though, because I see him in a system that is ideal for him behind the striker. There he can make even better use of his qualities.
“That means: Havertz will perhaps not shine as much up front as he does behind the top players. You have to know that and that should be communicated by the coach that he will help out in attack.”
