Thomas Tuchel: Bayern Munich boss says Graham Potter’s Chelsea sacking ‘didn’t trigger big emotions’ in him

Thomas Tuchel says that Graham Potter’s Chelsea sacking “didn’t really trigger big emotions in me”.

The German was talking in his new role as Bayern Munich manager, his first job since he left Chelsea to be replaced by Potter earlier in the season.

“I saw the news very late last night,” Tuchel told the press.

“I really enjoyed working there and formed friendships for life. But the club has changed a lot, so it didn’t really trigger big emotions in me.”

Chelsea have appointed Bruno Saltor as the interim manager until a replacement is found for the permanent role, and the Spaniard said he was committed to the role.

“I just spoke to Graham five minutes ago,” Saltor said at his own press conference, ahead of Tuesday’s Premier League encounter with Liverpool.

“Obviously it’s been a difficult 24 hours for all of us, for the staff, for the families and now we just have to deal with the situation.

“It is a sad day. A sad day for staff because Graham and Billy leaving, two top coaches, top people, top human beings.

“How I see it is I have to be the most professional I can, try to help the players, guide the players to prepare the game the best we can.

“If I am here right now it’s because Graham and the club, they thought it was the right step and I’m here just trying to help the club and trying to be the most professional I can.”

The Spaniard continued: “I spoke to the owners, they’ve been very supportive. What I’m focused on is train today, tomorrow’s game then after that, step by step.

“Obviously it is a massive challenge. I have been just four years coaching but I have been 20 years involved in football.

“I start really early and I have a lot of experience in changing rooms. What I will try to do is help the players, guide the players because I have been in those situations before.

“Then I think I have got that feeling that I can help, especially young players that have never been in this situation before.

“[We’re] seeing it as an opportunity for the players. We are representing Chelsea. A club with an amazing history, it is about winning, it is about dominating and what we need to do is prepare for the game.

“The responsibility is all of us. We are responsible and we have to keep it positive, try to focus on the next game and that’s the energy we’re working with.”