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Less than a month after being ruthlessly fired by Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly, Thomas Tuchel turned down the chance to return to management right away.
The Sun claims that Tuchel was called by Bayer Leverkusen but declined the offer, passing up the chance to return to the sidelines right away.
Only seven games into the current season, new Blues co-owner Todd Boehly fired the highly regarded German coach.
Tuchel had received a lot of support in the summer transfer market, so the decision was unexpected.
However, it has subsequently come to light that the new Stamford Bridge leadership had been pondering a move for some time.
Last season, Chelsea appeared to be a squad that could compete with Manchester City and Liverpool for the Premier League title, but they lost their way before the current season.
After the team’s disappointing start to the new season, Tuchel ultimately paid the price as Boehly was determined to steer the Blues in a different direction.
Graham Potter, a former manager of Brighton, was swiftly appointed as Tuchel’s replacement, only 48 hours after the former Borussia Dortmund manager was fired.
Leverkusen have had a challenging start to the Bundesliga season, earning just five points through their first eight games.
Gerardo Seoane, the manager of Bayer Leverkusen, is reportedly under a lot of stress right now, and according to reports, the Bundesliga team made contact with Tuchel to evaluate his interest in the role ahead of a prospective move.
Tuchel was adamant that he was not interested in the Leverkusen position, though.
Whether Tuchel’s decision was motivated by a desire for a break or by Leverkusen’s precarious league position—the German team is presently second from last in the Bundesliga—remains to be seen.
Tuchel’s reputation is still high as a result of the excellent work he did at Stamford Bridge, despite his harsh dismissal.
Just months after taking over for Frank Lampard, Tuchel led the Blues to Champions League success as well as victories in the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.
Tuchel made a post on social media about how difficult it was to accept his departure.
He wrote, “This is one of the hardest statements I have ever had to write, and it is one that I hoped I would not need to do for many years.
That my time at Chelsea is over makes me very sad. I felt at home with this club on a professional and personal level.
I want to express my gratitude to the entire staff, the players, and the fans for making me feel so welcome right away.
I’ll never forget the pride and happiness I experienced when I contributed to the team’s victories in the Club World Cup and the Champions League.
I consider it an honor to have contributed to the history of this club, and the last 19 months will always hold unique memories for me.”
