The German manager, 49, was sacked by the Blues last week and was immediately replaced by Brighton boss Graham Potter. 2 Tuchel won the Champions League with Chelsea less than 18 months agoCredit: EPA Chelsea fans applaud in 21st minute to show appreciation to ex-boss Thomas Tuchel for winning the Champions League with the Blues in 2021 👏 #UCL pic.twitter.com/cjx4JEmvFO — Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) September 14, 2022 2 The crowdsurfer won’t be used against Salzburg, but a minute’s applause will go aheadCredit: Twitter Wednesday afternoon marked a new era at Stamford Bridge as Potter took charge of Chelsea for the first time. But the home fans weren’t prepared to forget Tuchel entirely as they gave a hearty ovation in the 21st minute – a nod to the German’s Champions League triumph with the club in 2021. The clap replaced the giant “crowdsurfer” banner that Chelsea fans would have used as a tribute, but due to the Queen’s death they decided not to do it as a mark of respect. Ahead of the game, Chelsea supporters’ movement We Are The Shed said: “Tonight will be our first game since Thomas Tuchel was sacked. “We will not be crowdsurfing out of respect for the Queen’s pass/pre match plans. “Instead, we encourage people to stand up and clap in the 21st minute to say ‘thank you’ (the year we won the CL).” Tuchel broke his silence on Sunday as he spoke about his sudden sacking from Chelsea. The former Borussia Dortmund manager said: “This is one of the hardest statements I’ve ever had to write – and I hoped I wouldn’t have to for many years.

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FREE BET AND SIGN UP OFFERS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS “I am devastated that my time at Chelsea has come to an end. “Thank you very much to all the staff, players and fans who made me feel very welcome from the start. “The pride and joy I felt in helping the team win the Champions League and Club World Cup will stay with me forever. “I am honored to have been part of this club’s history and whatever the future holds for me, the memories of the last 18 months will always hold a special place in my heart.”