Chelsea icon Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink was 'surprised' by the club's decision to sack Thomas Tuchel just seven games into the new season.
The Blues' ownership took the decision to sack Tuchel after tensions grew between the German and Todd Boehly following the American's £4billion takeover at Stamford Bridge. Former Brighton manager Graham Potter been confirmed as the Blues' new Head coach after signing a five-year contract, football.london understands.
Potter will be in charge for the clash against Fulham this weekend after being confirmed as Tuchel's successor. Hasselbaink praised the German manager for his 'absolutely magnificent' job at Stamford Bridge, which saw the west London outfit win the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.
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Speaking to Sky Sports following the announcement that Tuchel had been relieved of his duties at Stamford Bridge, Hasselbaink admitted he was 'surprised' and suggested a decision may have been taken with the German having been appointed under former owner Roman Abramovich. The ex-Chelsea striker said: "I was quite surprised. I didn't see it coming really.
"They didn't have the right result against Zagreb in the Champions League. But, if you look at his [Tuchel] past it was a difficult last year where I thought he did absolutely magnificent with all the difficulties with Abramovich going, the stress on the team and I think he came out of it really positive.
"This year they haven't started that great, but when they played against Spurs they were magnificent. They didn't get the win but still you could see it was there to come.
"I don't know why the decisions came from the owners, it must be maybe because he is still from Abramovich's era and that is the decision they will have to take and look at. Going forward, maybe it was the right time, but I'm a bit surprised."
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