Reports suggest that Thomas Tuchel, the 50-year-old German coach, is contemplating a return to Chelsea this summer following his impending departure from Bayern Munich. Tuchel was sacked by Todd Boehly in September 2022, just months after Boehly took over the club.
Tuchel is set to leave Bayern at the end of the season, with Boehly conceding that his decision to sack Tuchel may have been a mistake. Despite the strained relationship between Tuchel and Boehly, the former Chelsea boss is reportedly open to a return to Stamford Bridge if their previous differences can be resolved.
Before his departure, Tuchel endured a tense relationship with Boehly, with one incident occurring when Boehly attempted to entertain guests in the home dressing room while Tuchel was delivering a halftime team talk.
Chelsea chiefs privately acknowledged that sacking Tuchel may have been a mistake at the end of last season, with the coach owed a £13 million severance pay. The club replaced Tuchel with Graham Potter, who lasted only several months before being sacked himself. Frank Lampard then returned as caretaker boss before Mauricio Pochettino eventually succeeded Potter full-time.
However, Pochettino’s tenure has failed to restore Chelsea’s fortunes, with the team currently sitting 11th in the Premier League table. Amidst pressure on Pochettino, fans have been vocal in expressing their desire for Tuchel’s return, with some even writing, “Bring him back home.”
While a return to Chelsea is being considered, Manchester United is claimed to be Tuchel’s “dream destination.” Since Erik ten Hag’s arrival as partial owners, doubts have lingered over whether Ralf Rangnick will remain at Old Trafford next season.
Elsewhere, Liverpool and West Ham are also rumored to be seeking managerial replacements, potentially creating vacancies for coaches like David Moyes and Roberto De Zerbi. Tuchel, craving a return to the Premier League, could be a sought-after candidate amidst the managerial reshuffle across English football.
During a recent match against Brentford, fans turned on Pochettino, indicating a growing dissatisfaction with his management. As Tuchel contemplates his future, a return to Chelsea could be on the horizon, signaling a potential reunion with the club where he previously experienced success.
