Peter Crouch believes Thomas Tuchel’s sacking at Chelsea was not a “football decision” and he has sounded a warning to new boss Graham Potter.
Tuchel was axed last week in a surprise move by the Blues’ new owners. Just a month into the season. And soon after the closing of the transfer window, the German found his time was up.
Chelsea had made a poor start to the season. And winning the Champions League in 2021 did not buy the former PSG boss any more time. He also guided Chelsea into the Champions League and reached both the FA Cup and EFL Cup final last term.
A club statement made it clear the new owners thought it was the “right time to make this transition”. And part-owner Todd Boehly has already spoken about “a multi-club model”.
Boehly, who is also the co-owner of the LA Dodgers, has referenced Red Bull, who have two Champions League teams – Salzburg and Leipzig. And it’s understood Boehly is hoping to build a network of teams around Chelsea.
Tuchel was not believed to be the man to oversee that by the owners and so former Brighton boss Potter succeeded him.
But he still has a place in the hearts of the Chelsea fans. They applauded and sang the name of the sacked Tuchel in the 21st minute.
The timing of the tribute was chosen due to the German guiding the Blues to Champions League glory in 2021.
Asked about the decision to axe Tuchel, Crouch said on BT Sport: “Tuchel’s sacking can’t possibly be a football decision, it must go higher up than that.
“He’s won the Champions League and got to two finals last year and this has been the first bad period that Thomas Tuchel has gone through.
“It felt premature, which means that something else has gone on. It’s obvious that the new owners want to have a voice and want to be involved in getting the players in. And they want to be involved around the training ground, that is obvious.
Crouch: Boehly and Co want to be involved
“Thomas Tuchel may have said something. Or there is definitely an issue that has gone on and Thomas Tuchel has been relieved of his duties.”
Crouch also suggested the former Brighton boss will see plenty of the American owners, who are looking to stamp their authority on the west London club.
“Graham Potter is definitely going to find he has owners who want to be involved,” added Crouch.
“He is a tremendous manager. He’s not burst onto the scene, he has done his apprenticeship in another country and worked wonders at Brighton.
“He changed the style completely from Chris Hughton. And he deserves his chance. He has a big, big opportunity and the five-year contract alludes to the fact that they are not going to be hiring and firing.
“They are going to try and build something and that is what Chelsea need.”
