Jorginho is “surprised” by Tuchel’s dismissal

The dismissal of Thomas Tuchel, according to Chelsea midfielder Jorginho, was a “surprise,” suggesting the Blues’ players feel some responsibility for it.

After a shocking Champions League loss to Dinamo Zagreb, losses in the Premier League to Southampton and Leeds United, and an underwhelming start to the season, the German coach was fired last week.

Graham Potter swiftly appointed Thomas Tuchel’s replacement at Chelsea, and his team’s first match in charge came on Wednesday against Salzburg.

The Premier League match last week was postponed due to the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

So Tuesday’s pre-game press conference was the first chance for inquiries regarding the managerial change.

Although Potter is the fourth Chelsea manager Jorginho has worked for, he acknowledged that he has grown accustomed to it and that the most recent change caught him off guard.

He said:

“It’s happening a lot, as everyone knows. We’re adapting to the new coach.

“We’re very excited to work with him and his staff. It’s been quite good the first few days.

“Of course, we had a great time with Thomas.

“We appreciate everything he did for us, the club, and the fans.

“Now we have a new challenge to look forward to, and we’re very excited.

“It was a surprise for everyone. What has been said between the players will stay there, sorry.

“There’s always talking around what has happened, but now we have games coming.

“And life is quick, so we don’t have much time to stay and think.

“We need to concentrate on what we need to do.”

After being questioned about Tuchel’s repeated criticism of the team during his departure, Jorginho acknowledged there was still work to be done.

He added:

“It was his feeling, and he also said that to us. We tried to do what we could.

“We tried to do our best, and it’s what we do.

“Unfortunately, it wasn’t working anymore.

“And the challenge now is to rebuild the confidence because Chelsea are a big club.

“We have a lot of work to do, and to do that, and we need to work with everyone moving in the same direction.

“Of course, we feel responsible. We were a team.

“It’s not one person who is responsible for what happened. Everyone is responsible.”

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