Mainz sporting director Christian Heidel has launched a scathing verbal attack on Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly for sacking Thomas Tuchel.
The Blues parted ways with the German tactician just seven games into the new season, with Tuchel given his marching orders on Wednesday morning following their Champions League defeat at Dinamo Zagreb. He has since been replaced by Brighton’s Graham Potter.
But Heidel, who hired Tuchel for Mainz in 2009, has slammed Boehly’s decision to part company with a manager as decorated as the 49-year-old so soon into the new season.
“The sacking is grist to the mill of those who are against investors in football. It was purely an investor’s decision,” Heidel told BILD.
“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.”
Scott Saunders, Graeme Bailey and Toby Cudworth bring you a brand new episode of Talking Transfers. The team discuss the fallout from the summer transfer window, Gavi’s contract situation at Barcelona, Chelsea’s midfield issues, Antony’s suitability at Man Utd and more. Available on all audio platforms and the 90min YouTube channel.
If you can’t see the podcast embed, click here to download the episode in full!
In addition to his role as co-owner, Boehly appointed himself as interim sporting director prior to this summer – Chelsea ended up spending a world-record £273m in one transfer window.
90min understands that new boss Potter will be involved in Chelsea’s process of hiring a permanent sporting director.