“The pride and joy I felt in helping the team win the Champions League and Club World Cup will stay with me forever. I am honored to have been part of this club’s history and whatever the future holds for me, the memories of the last 19 months will always hold a special place in my heart.” Despite tensions with Chelsea’s new owners, led by chairman Todd Boehly, Tuchel has been left in shock by his sudden sacking and is taking time out before resuming his coaching career. He will receive an €8m release clause and will be in demand after turning down the chance to talk to Manchester United and Barcelona last season when he decided to stay loyal to Chelsea. Meanwhile, Brighton are set to meet Italian Roberto De Zerbi this week as they step up their search for a new manager. The 43-year-old is not the only manager Brighton are considering – Norwegian Kjetl Knutsen is also on their shortlist – but he has emerged as a strong contender. De Gerby is unemployed after recently managing Shakhtar Donetsk and enjoying Serie A success with Sassuolo.
