The fallout from Thomas Tuchel’s ouster as manager of Chelsea FC continues.
On Wednesday — the same day the club confirmed it had parted ways with Tuchel amid a disappointing start to the season — The Independent reported that the 49-year-old’s personal affairs had apparently become a topic of conversation among some players, namely his younger girlfriend following the collapse of his marriage.
In April, reports surfaced that Tuchel and his wife of 13 years, Sissi, were separating. A source told the Daily Mail at the time how the pair “tried to avoid splitting but in the end there was no other way.”
Thomas Tuchel has been fired as Chelsea’s manager, the club confirmed Wednesday.AP
Earlier this year, reports emerged that Thomas Tuchel and his wife, Sissi, were parting ways.Getty Images
Thomas Tuchel was linked to Natalie Max (here in 2017), in July, when they were photographed on vacation.Can Nguyen/Shutterstock‘It is very sad and now it is all about making sure their daughters are the top priority. Papers were lodged last week to get the divorce under way,” the insider continued.
Three months later, photos surfaced of Tuchel vacationing in Sardinia with girlfriend Natalie Max. In images published by the Daily Mail, Tuchel is seen relaxing outdoors with the 35-year-old Max in July.
As Tuchel’s private life took a dramatic turn in recent months, it appears there was tension brewing at the Chelsea facility, too. The Independent noted Wednesday how “Tuchel’s ideas were no longer transmitting,” and that, “He was a difficult character, whose demands weren’t always clear.” Further, a collection of players “bristled that he didn’t really trust them.”
Thomas Tuchel with wife Sissi in May 2021.UEFA via Getty Images
Thomas Tuchel had been Chelsea’s manager since January 2021.AFP via Getty ImagesTuchel’s relationship with ownership, which includes Dodgers co-owner Todd Boehly, is said to have become strained “over the club’s transfer strategy,” sources told ESPN.
A consortium guided by Boehly and Clearlake Capital acquired Chelsea in May.
Tuchel had been the manager of the club since January 2021.
