Thomas Tuchel reportedly turned down approaches from Manchester United and Barcelona last season in order to stay loyal to Chelsea.
The 49-year-old was relieved of his managerial duties at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, but it is believed that a decision had been made before Tuesday’s 1-0 loss to Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League.
Graham Potter is now thought to be on the verge of being appointed Chelsea’s new manager, with the Brighton & Hove Albion boss travelling to London on Wednesday afternoon for talks.
Tuchel won the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup during his time with the Blues, in addition to reaching two FA Cup finals and one EFL Cup final.
The German won 60 of his 100 matches in charge of the club, drawing 24 and losing just 16, but the club have decided to move in a different direction.
According to The Telegraph, both Man United and Barcelona were keen to speak to Tuchel last season about their managerial positions, but the head coach stayed loyal to his now former club.
The report claims that Barcelona wanted Tuchel in the aftermath of Ronald Koeman’s sacking last October, but Xavi was ultimately handed the role at Camp Nou.
Man United, meanwhile, are said to have been keen on the German towards the end of last season amid the uncertainty surrounding the ownership situation at Stamford Bridge.
The Red Devils are believed to have explored appointing Tuchel as a replacement for interim head coach Ralf Rangnick, but Erik ten Hag was eventually named the team’s new manager.
Tuchel has also previously been in charge of Mainz 05, Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain, while he started his coaching career at Augsburg II in 2007.
