ARSENAL boss Mikel Arteta has sympathised with Thomas Tuchel after he was sacked by Chelsea.
The German coach, 49, was fired by the Blues on Wednesday morning after 20 months with the club.
He guided them to Champions League glory and three domestic cup finals, while also securing back-to-back top four finishes in the Premier League.
But a poor start to the season saw him booted out after just seven matches.
And Arteta feels for Tuchel – who has swiftly been replaced by Graham Potter.
Speaking ahead of Arsenal's Europa League clash with FC Zurich, the Gunners manager said: "I was [surprised], yes. It was right before training when we got the news.
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"It is always sad for any colleague in this profession to get fired.
"Unfortunately, we know how this works. Wish him the best of luck.
"It makes me realise that we have a profession that, in a big percent this is going to happen.
"We have to prepare for it and we have to enjoy the journey and we have to enjoy every day because you never know what’s coming."
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Arteta was under huge pressure 12 months ago when his Arsenal team lost their opening three games of the campaign and sat bottom of the Premier League table.
But he was able to turn things around as they eventually finished fifth.
And he has since gone on to enjoy a superb start to the new season, with Arsenal top of the table thanks to five wins from six games.
Arteta will celebrate three years at Arsenal in December, with only five current Prem managers having served for longer at their respective clubs.
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