Emma Hayes had a really great connection with Thomas Tuchel, and in her first press conference after his sacking she spoke openly about her feelings about his departure.
The pair had a real bond, you could tell just from their interactions. The time they spent together a year ago as they received awards together at Cobham was sweet, and there was plenty of footage of them having a laugh together – as well as talking football.
Chelsea head coach Emma Hayes was sad to see Thomas Tuchel depart. pic.twitter.com/OlMYFhCxUI
— DW Sports (@dw_sports) September 17, 2022
Hayes said she was “gutted” to see Tuchel go, and called him a “great coach” who will “thrive anywhere.”
We’re sure she can build up a similar friendship with Graham Potter, but there did seem to be a unique shared perspective between her and Tuchel.
Hayes knows that coaches have a short shelf life – except those as good as her, of course. Perhaps their paths will cross again in the future somewhere – most likely at another award ceremony.
