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Football

08th Sep 2022

Todd Boehly wanted Thomas Tuchel to play a 4-4-3 formation

Callum Boyle

No wonder the relationship broke down

Thomas Tuchel’s relationship with Chelsea co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali broke down after the American drew up a tactics board with a 4-4-3 formation.

Tuchel was sacked on Wednesday – less than 24 hours after his side were beaten by Dinamo Zagreb – but it is believed that performances on the pitch was one of a number of contributing factors to the decision.

The Athletic have reported that Tuchel was left unimpressed with Boehly after he drew a 4-4-3 formation – one more player than you would traditionally see on a pitch – on the tactics board. Chelsea have denied that this happened, but it was one of a series of ‘slapstick’ moments that Tuchel witnessed allegedly.

A number of issues were also raised such as recruitment. Tuchel would regularly send his assistant to recruitment meetings and was involved in all but one of the deals – that being the signing of Denis Zakaria.

The German’s reluctance to sign Cristiano Ronaldo was also met with tension by the club’s owner as Tuchel preferred to sign Gabriel Jesus and was left frustrated by their decision not to purse a move for the Brazilian, who joined Arsenal instead.

Boehly had also described his former boss as a “nightmare” to deal with on recruitment during a conversation with an unnamed Premier League executive from another club.

Chelsea are close to confirming Graham Potter as the replacement for Tuchel, with a deal expected to be announced imminently.

Potter’s £16m buyout clause was activated after Chelsea moved swiftly, calling Brighton CEO Paul Barber within half an hour of the decision to relieve Tuchel of his duties.

The 47-year-old could be appointed in time to take charge of the game against Fulham this weekend.

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