Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang plays just 59 MINUTES under Thomas Tuchel as Chelsea manager sacked days after dream reunion
PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG played just 59 minutes under Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea before the German was brutally sacked.
Tuchel played a big role in luring Aubameyang to Stamford Bridge this summer.
Having worked with the striker, 33, at Borussia Dortmund, he was able to convince Aubameyang to complete a deadline day return to the Premier League.
He said on Tuchel after signing for Chelsea: “It will be an honour and a joy again [to play with Tuchel], we had some good times in Dortmund together so I am really happy to play for him again.
“We will achieve some big things, I am sure of this and I will try to help the team.”
Masked up Aubameyang made his Chelsea debut on Tuesday night in the Blues’ Champions League group stage opener against Dinamo Zagreb.
It comes as:
- Chelsea ask for permission to speak to Graham Potter over vacant manager role.
- Zinedine Zidane and Mauricio Pochettino are among the favourites with bookies to replace Thomas Tuchel as John Terry priced at 33/1.
- The Blues’ brutal statement announces German relieved of his duties just 100 days after Todd Boehly takes charge.
- Chelsea news LIVE: All the latest after Tuchel’s axing.
- Tuchel sacked by Boehly in ten-minute training ground meeting as chiefs ignored plea for more time
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However, Aubameyang played just 59 minutes and saw a goal be chalked off for offside in the shock 1-0 defeat to the Croatian champions.
And the loss was the final nail in Tuchel’s coffin, with new owner Todd Boehly brutally swinging the axe.
Tuesday’s loss wasn’t the only reason as to why Chelsea could have sacked Tuchel.
The Blues got off to a poor start in the Premier League, losing two of their six games played.
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They also just about scraped by against London rivals West Ham on Saturday – only thanks to a dodgy referee/VAR decision.
Chelsea spent £259million in the summer transfer window with Boehly heavily backing Tuchel – leaving many questioning the sacking.
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.”
Brighton boss Graham Potter appears to be the early frontrunner for the job.
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Potter is set to travel to London on Wednesday to speak to Chelsea about their vacant head coach position.
SunSport understands they want a new gaffer in place before Saturday’s West London derby against Fulham – and are VERY confident that will be 47-year-old Potter.