Why Thomas Tuchel returning to Chelsea makes sense as fans chant for former manager and pile pressure on Graham Potter
THERE were several chants from the Chelsea end at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday - but the most telling were those calling for Thomas Tuchel.
It's just 124 days since the German was sacked, but things have quickly turned sour under Graham Potter after SIX defeats in nine.
And they could already be back in the market for a new manager.
The Blues are 10 points behind fourth and have been knocked out of both domestic cups at the first hurdle for the first time since 1989 after their humiliation at City.
If their form continues they're on course to miss out on Europe altogether for just the second time this century.
As a result, Potter is second in the Premier League sack race behind Frank Lampard and is fighting desperately for his job.
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But this isn't unfamiliar territory for the West Londoners.
Chelsea found themselves in a similar position almost exactly this time two years ago.
A likeable, young, English manager trying to implement his own ideas into the squad but with little success.
On that occasion, the Blues were five points behind the top four and were still in the FA Cup.
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Regardless, Lampard, who's far more popular with the Stamford Bridge faithful than Potter will ever be, was axed.
He was replaced by a certain Tuchel, who had his hands on the Champions League some five months later.
The 49-year-old went on to win three trophies in 20 months and reach three domestic finals, which saw him strike an instant bond with fans.
So if Chelsea do opt to pull the trigger, it makes perfect sense to bring him back.
Besides the couple that have been signed in this window, Tuchel already knows the entire squad.
And a bunch them were signed by him in the summer.
To begin with, he could get a tune out of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who only joined to reunite with Tuchel, and he would get supporters back onside.
And an optimistic punt for Betfair favourite Mauricio Pochettino aside, there's hardly any other proven managers out there.
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Zinedine Zidane could be of interest to Boehly and Co, but he wants the France job and is prepared to wait.
Therefore, if the American does eventually lose his patience, he should look no further than the man Potter replaced.
