Chelsea hero Florent Malouda says the sacking of Thomas Tuchel today was "brutal".

Malouda admits the decision came as a shock.

He told BBC Sport: "It has been a successful era, I am talking about the coach. I have witnessed a lot of finals and a lot of finals won, that shows you the level of performance you have to give. You don't have time, this is the reality. It is very brutal. That is my first impression.

"But as a football club, I know this one is all about winning trophies. Now the question is how. This is a new era. There was a method, whether people liked it or not, that delivered trophies. I have been part of the club, I am a fan of Chelsea. I am wondering what happens next. I don't picture what is next. I just wish the best to the club. I am trying to understand what the strategy is. What is the strategy behind it.

"I have an emotional connection with Chelsea, so I am curious about what comes next but also worried. This is my first impression. We are talking about a top coach who made a huge impact but it is like it didn't last. It is not about who is guilty, it is about where we are going next. It is very interesting."