Chelsea have approached former Dortmund boss Thomas Tuchel over the possibility of replacing Antonio Conte at Stamford Bridge, according to sensational reports in Germany.
The German left Dortmund in May in an unexpected move and was expected to take a sabbatical from football
Conte was a huge success during his first season in west London but relations between himself and the board have soured since the end of his debut campaign. The 43-year-old earned a reputation as one of Europe’s most promising coaches during a two-year stint with Dortmund and was heavily linked with a move to Arsenal to replace Arsene Wenger throughout last season.
The Italian has consistently hit out at the board for failing to land his top transfer targets and Conte’s decision to sign a new deal at the club for more money – but not to extend his contract – raised eyebrows at the club.
According to Sport Bild, Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia is leading the push to appoint Tuchel and has approached the German over a move to Stamford Bridge.
Granovskaia is said to have taken on greater influence at the club in the last three years and was hugely instrumental in Diego Costa’s move to the Blues.
The Spanish international has been left isolated at the club and Conte informed him via text that he was no longer wanted.
Bild put no time frame on when Tuchel could replace Conte but they suggest Sunday’s 2-1 win against Tottenham has done little to lift the gloom after a difficult pre-season at the club.
Luis Enrique, the former Barcelona boss, is also said to have been considered but Tuchel’s greater grasp of the English language has given him the advantage.
