Thomas Tuchel reveals he was sacked by Chelsea in brutal three-minute meeting

Thomas Tuchel has revealed his spell as Chelsea boss came to an end in a brutal three-minute meeting.

The German was relieved of his duties last September following a 1-0 defeat at Dinamo Zagreb despite leading the Blues to Champions League glory the previous year.

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Tuchel had led Chelsea to success through a difficult period, including the club's change of ownership and admitted his dismissal came as a surprise.

“It was a shock,” Tuchel told . “I felt it, strangely, when I drove to the training centre. The meeting we had felt unusual – and it turned out to be a very short meeting.

“It was 8am, or something, and it lasted three to five minutes. I was also not in the mood to talk longer.

“The decision had been made and, honestly, it was a shock for all of us. We had a feeling that we were in the right spot at the right time. We felt that we could achieve big things and we wanted to stay longer – it was as simple as that.

“We had big relationships, huge relationships within the staff. We still do. How long did it take me to get over? It still hurts in a way – I’m not able to see these people on a daily basis. I love this job. I have a passion for it, I can tell you.

“We built an extraordinary bond in the circumstances. We started there during Covid, during Brexit – then came the change of ownership. We were a strong, strong group [at Cobham]. It wasn’t in my hands to take this decision. I was no longer part of this group, a group that felt like a family.”

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Whilst it’s not often a Champions League, Super Cup and Club World Cup winner is given the axe in such a fashion, reports initially suggested Tuchel had lost the dressing room.

But that accusation has been shot down by the German who insists he still shares a good relationship with his former stars.

“I still have a good bond with the players. We still text, there are many messages. I have found many friends at the Chelsea training centre.

“This will not end because of a new job. It will be difficult to keep in touch and see each other but the friendships will stay.

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Tuchel recently returned to management with Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich and faces a huge task on his debut when table toppers Borussia Dortmund head to the Allianz Arena on Saturday evening.

A win would send Bayern top of the Bundesliga ahead of their German Cup last eight meeting with Freiburg and the Champions League quarter-final clash with Manchester City.

Tuchel is relishing every moment of the fixture calendar and above all else, enjoying the camaraderie of the Bayern changing room after six months away from the game.

“The week I have spent here has been very demanding,” said Tuchel. “But, really, there is no funnier place in football than a dressing room. There is so much love in there, so much spirit and so much joy. That is what I missed the most [about Chelsea].

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“Now I am here. I have found a new challenge. I’m happy to be at a very ambitious big club, straight away I feel the energy and spirit from all the departments here.

“We can develop huge power together. These are professional people, friendly people and they give me a lot of joy and energy.’

“When you arrive at Bayern Munich in April and you are a point off the lead and in two quarter-finals, you want all the titles – this is the focus. We want a certain style of play, of course. But we have the chance for three titles – and we will fight for them.”