Mainz sporting director Christian Heidel has slammed Chelsea for sacking Thomas Tuchel.

The German was dismissed on Wednesday following a 1-0 defeat at Dinamo Zagreb on Tuesday night. He's since been replaced by former Brighton boss Graham Potter.

Heidel told BILD: “The sacking is grist to the mill of those who are against investors in football. It was purely an investor's decision.

“Someone who has no idea about football probably thought that sixth place wasn't good enough for him and said: 'Then let's try another coach.'

“After only six games, I can't think of any other reason. But Chelsea will bitterly regret this decision – they won't get such a good coach again so quickly."