Thomas Tuchel’s blunt Cristiano Ronaldo verdict which angered Todd Boehly and Chelsea

The former Chelsea manager is reported to have disobeyed those in the Blues management above him by declining to sign Cristiano Ronaldo during the summer transfer window.

Thomas Tuchel’s choice to ignore Chelsea’s new owner Todd Boehly’s demands and not sign Cristiano Ronaldo this summer may have contributed to the club’s decision to fire him.

Despite winning the Champions League for only the second time in Chelsea’s history last year and reaching both the Carabao and FA Cup finals the following season, the German coach was dismissed from his duties as Blues manager on Wednesday morning.

Tuchel’s relationship with the board has been stretched further by the team’s poor start to the season, which has seen them win only three of their first six Premier League games, although tensions between the manager and the owner may have lingered from the summer transfer window.

Boehly sought to sign Ronaldo after the Portugal international told Manchester United that he wanted out after the Red Devils failed to qualify for the Champions League. Boehly was so desperate to swoop that he even met with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s agent, Jorge Mendes, to try to work out a deal.

Tuchel was opposed from the outset, telling Boehly that Ronaldo would “destroy the morale in my dressing room,” according to the German newspaper Bild.

Despite the slow start to the new season, the news of Tuchel’s dismissal surprised many. Boehly saw Tuesday night’s 1-0 loss against Dinamo Zagreb as the final straw and parted ways with the former PSG manager less than 24 hours later.

Chelsea’s board of directors stated on the club’s website: “On behalf of everyone at Chelsea FC, I’d want to express my appreciation to Thomas and his team for all of their efforts throughout their time with the club.

“Thomas has earned a place in Chelsea history after winning the Champions League, Super Cup, and Club World Cup during his stint at the club.

“As the new ownership group approaches 100 days since taking over the Club and continues to work hard to move the club forward, the new owners believe the time has come to make this shift.

“Chelsea’s coaching staff will assume leadership of the team for training and match preparations while the Club searches for a new head coach.

“No more statement will be made until a new head coach is appointed.”

Brighton manager Graham Potter is widely regarded as the frontrunner to succeed Tuchel, and he met with Boehly on Wednesday afternoon.