Michael Ballack has described Todd Boehly's decision to sack Thomas Tuchel last month as 'incomprehensible'.
Tuchel, who guided Chelsea to Champions League success in 2021, was dismissed on Boehly's 100th day in charge of the club, following their shock 1-0 defeat away to Dinamo Zagreb in the same competition.
Ballack, who was a popular figure at Stamford Bridge during his four-year stint at the club, has defended his German countryman, while tearing into Boehly's 'elbow mentality'.
He told German outlet Bild: 'I was surprised by the sacking. For me it was incomprehensible when a coach is dismissed so quickly.
'Especially because Tuchel had such a great success like winning the Champions League.
'We have to see if it works in the long term. I believe that you have to approach such a successful and big club carefully.
'Chelsea doesn't need any upheaval. Boehly is doing it differently now with his elbow mentality.'
Tuchel's replacement, Graham Potter, has won four out of the five games that he has been in the dugout since leaving Brighton for the Blues.
Though the 47-year-old has made a positive start in his new job, Ballack feels that the Englishman is not getting the best out of another one of his German compatriots - Kai Havertz.
The 23-year-old has started three out of Potter's five games in charge, starting in an attacking midfield role against RB Salzburg and Crystal Palace, while starting up as a striker against Wolves at the weekend.
Ballack said: 'Kai has proven - even before that with Chelsea - that he can fill the striker role well. It's a pity though, because I see him in a system that is ideal for him behind the striker. There he can make even better use of his qualities.
'That means Havertz will perhaps not shine as much up front as he does behind the top players. You have to know that and that should be communicated by the coach that he will help out in attack.'
kay7
0
Shut up
when you 'have the right' just because you are the owner of something is not always a good decision if you do with your own will without thinking
Wihklnoruz
2
it we still have Tuchel as our coach we could have been on number 10 in Epl table and 4 in UCL table,so Ballack get out
Hiwabdmor
0
I wonder why All Football keep reports they have published before. is it to cause confusion among Chelsea fans or to make opposition fans happy? This was obviously said same week Tuchel was sacked
emekachelsea
1
He is not the first manager to be sacked, you want to defend your country brother, no wahara.
Kattyranking
1
fck u
allshama
1
His trying to influence the coach to play Kai in the same role as he does for his country so that we prepare him on there behalf for the world.... Why did he not speak of loftus cheek who also plays different positions..
chifat2
0
we have moved on so, stop pulling us back.
hpchmgn
0
you come 2 months later to tell us it's incomprehensible?
Nawamory
1
This is not a German team we all know and love Havertz just don't influence the lad
Vombeoru
4
Ballack go an sleep when Roman was busy sacking tittle winning mangers such as Jose,Di Mateo an even conte it was a normal thing to you now your here to defend Tuchel bcoz his your countryman, truth to be told sacking is our Religion potter isn't an exception if he fails to steady our ship,you better put that in your head if you can't get it forget it
Buzeilntu
0
Ballack or Bollocks?
Moe-Km
0
Rightly said, Chelsea are playing attacking style, they are more direct in built-up and are creating more chances as well as shots on target, This was the dark side of Chelsea until Potter brought that system here...I actually hated seeing them play defensive, they look more ferocious in attack
right ? at first I was not happy with tuchels sacking and Potter acquisition but now I can see how we're benefiting from him. I love watching the way we play now. there's actually excitement. even that woke Jorginho is finally playing forward passes loool
Fiokmprstz
1
Shut up Ballack
GadKokil16k
0
You people are so naive. Do a bit more research. As much as I love Tuchel and I appreciate his work with Chelsea, He wasn't apparently a team player which worked fine in the abramovich era because the coach only had one job and that was to coach the team. In the Boehly era the coach is involved in alot more stuff like transfers and recruitment. Tuchel is an amazing coach but his biggest issue was that HE WAS NOT A TEAM PLAYER. He had the same issue at BVB and PSG. Boehly was looking for an excuse to remove him and bring in Potter. It's sad to see Tuchel go but at the same time we need a coach who can work well with our new owners. Potter has been quite good actually and he's transforming Chelsea into an attacking side which I'm sure we all love to see after years of being a more defensive and possession style team. Let's not dwell on the past. only look forward.
Rightly said, Chelsea are playing attacking style, they are more direct in built-up and are creating more chances as well as shots on target, This was the dark side of Chelsea until Potter brought that system here...I actually hated seeing them play defensive, they look more ferocious in attack
Masallaci01
0
rest ...
Habdemnsu
1
you shut up... sacking tuchel out of no where is totally wrong
It’s not wrong…He has the right to sack him as far he clear off his contract wages He owns the club😏
hekaenrsuz
2
So this legend is part of the Brotherhood which was meant to break Chelsea down under Mr Tuchel and Mr Czech? Clever Mr Todd Boehly saw it!!! 🤔🤔🤔
Temba10
2
Man stop with favouritism first TT's sucking and now Kai's position.
Richyrichcfc93765
2
Mr. Ballack, I off my Bonet and give you a presidential salute. What I want you to know is that... Chelsea are way above this level you are now, please don't bring Us backwards... Thanks
Moe-Km
6
You people are so naive. Do a bit more research. As much as I love Tuchel and I appreciate his work with Chelsea, He wasn't apparently a team player which worked fine in the abramovich era because the coach only had one job and that was to coach the team. In the Boehly era the coach is involved in alot more stuff like transfers and recruitment. Tuchel is an amazing coach but his biggest issue was that HE WAS NOT A TEAM PLAYER. He had the same issue at BVB and PSG. Boehly was looking for an excuse to remove him and bring in Potter. It's sad to see Tuchel go but at the same time we need a coach who can work well with our new owners. Potter has been quite good actually and he's transforming Chelsea into an attacking side which I'm sure we all love to see after years of being a more defensive and possession style team. Let's not dwell on the past. only look forward.
Bankmon
3
The team was dying out, halos sacking was inevitable
Hajhy746
3
Did you forget how Abramovic sacked Di Matteo after wining the champions league. Y’all are quick to forget things
Gideonice
0
Shut up
Potter is cooking something boss
kay7
0
Shut up
you shut up... sacking tuchel out of no where is totally wrong
fourthorty430
4
What Ballack didn't understand is : Boehly celebrated his 100th day in charge of Chelsea with Tuchel's sacking.. Am only joking here before some of you would tell me that I know nothing about football.. Ballack wanna fight for his country man .. a co German
Gideonice
0
Shut up