Five managers Chelsea could hire to replace Thomas Tuchel including Mauricio Pochettino and Zinedine Zidane

CHELSEA have stunned fans by announcing the departure of Champions League winner Thomas Tuchel.

The German was sacked by new owner Todd Boehly after Tuesday’s disastrous group stage defeat at Dinamo Zagreb.

And the Blues will now begin the lengthy process of finding a replacement.

It’s certainly not unfamiliar territory for supporters, with former owner Roman Abramovich constantly switching managers.

But who will Chelsea’s new American leaders choose for their Stamford Bridge revolution?

SunSport’s Anthony Chapman looks at five potential options…

It comes as:

• Chelsea ask for permission to speak to Graham Potter over vacant manager role.
• Zinedine Zidane and Mauricio Pochettino are among the favourites with bookies to replace Thomas Tuchel as John Terry priced at 33/1.
• The Blues' brutal statement announces German relieved of his duties just 100 days after Todd Boehly takes charge.
• Chelsea news LIVE: All the latest after Tuchel's axing.
• Tuchel informed of sacking in ruthless conference call, minutes after arriving at Blues' training ground.

MAURICIO POCHETTINO

A seemingly controversial choice given his history with rivals Tottenham.

But then again, Spurs have had no issues handing jobs to Andre Villas-Boas, Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte.

Pochettino is a proven Premier League manager who would have won trophies at Tottenham if he’d been backed properly in the market.

Available for free after being sacked by PSG, he is seemingly the obvious choice to take Chelsea forward.

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ZINEDINE ZIDANE

Another manager who Boehly will not have to negotiate a fee for.

Zidane knows his way around a football pitch, both off it and on it.

Has the top trophies to back up his reputation as an elite tactician.

And if Chelsea want a glamorous name in the dugout, they should look no further.

GRAHAM POTTER

SunSport can exclusively reveal Chelsea chiefs are hoping to speak to Brighton over impressive boss Potter.

The Englishman has transformed the Seagulls from relegation candidates into European hopefuls.

He even plays the same five-man defence as Tuchel.

And Potter could be the perfect man should Chelsea be hoping for a long-term appointment.

BRENDAN RODGERS

An outside shot, former Blues coach Rodgers has experience of lifting sides to new levels.

Liverpool, Celtic and Leicester all significantly improved with him at the helm.

It may not be going too well with the Foxes right now - but don’t forget they only spent £15million this summer.

Rodgers knows the league, and would likely jump at the chance to join Chelsea.

THOMAS FRANK

Eccentric, jovial and forward-thinking - Frank could be ideal for a major shift in style at the Bridge.

Like Potter, he has worked wonders with a seemingly lower-level squad.

Brentford are now one of the most exciting sides in the top flight, despite having a tiny budget to work with.

And with the riches on offer at Chelsea, Frank could take his own game to another level.