West Ham United manager Graham Potter lavished praise on Mohammed Kudus after his outstanding performance in the Hammers’ gritty 1-0 win against Arsenal on Saturday afternoon.
The Ghanaian midfielder was instrumental at the Emirates Stadium, aiding his team in clinching a crucial three points. In his post-match press conference, Potter expressed deep admiration for Kudus’ impact and dedication.
“He [Mohammed Kudus] was really good. I think every day, he is a bit of an example. Every day in training, he’s been really, really good. His effort and application have been top,” Potter said.
“Sometimes when the team isn’t functioning as well as you would like, the individuals within it don’t look as good as they can be.
“He’s actually been brilliant, and I think he got his reward today because his performance was fantastic,” he added.
Kudus was a constant menace for Arsenal, ending the game as the most fouled player. He also played a key role in the dismissal of Gunners defender Miles Lewis-Skelly, who was sent off after bringing him down to prevent a clear goal-scoring opportunity.
With West Ham hovering just above the relegation zone, they will aim to build on this momentum when they take on struggling Leicester City on Thursday.
Mohammed Kudus has revealed that West Ham’s new manager, Graham Potter, has set high expectations after just three weeks at the helm.
Potter, who replaced Julen Lopetegui following a series of disappointing results, signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with the club on January 9.
West Ham played out a 1-1 draw in their last encounter against Aston Villa. “He demands a lot,” Kudus told SkySports. “He’s only been here a short period of time but we can feel the energy as players.
“For me, it was the same with the old manager, they expect a lot, and the challenging part is replicating what he wants me to do in his system. I know we don’t have time, but this stuff does take time.
“The fans expect points straight away and we have to get wins, but settling into a new way of playing takes time.” Despite his arrival, West Ham continue to struggle, managing just one win in their last four matches.
West Ham’s new manager, Graham Potter, has explained why Mohammed Kudus was substituted during their match against Fulham on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.
According to Potter, the midfielder was struggling during the game, which led to the decision to take him off.
Kudus was replaced by Danny Ings just after the 60-minute mark, with West Ham holding a 2-1 lead at the time.
However, many West Ham fans were unhappy with the substitution, arguing that it was unnecessary to take off one of their key players.
Responding to the criticism, Graham Potter, managing his first Premier League game for West Ham, explained the decision.
The former Chelsea manager said Kudus was having a tough time during the match, and he praised Danny Ings for making a positive impact after coming on.
“We moved Mohammed Kudus a little bit higher up, and he helped us. Danny Ings coming on probably gave us more balance, even though it was a tough call because Mo’s a top, top player. But he was really suffering,” Potter said.
Kudus, now in his second season with West Ham, has faced challenges during the 2024/25 campaign. Unlike his impressive debut season, the 24-year-old has struggled for form, managing just three goals in 16 Premier League appearances.
Former Chelsea manager Graham Potterhas reportedly declined an opportunity to assist Jordan Henderson in addressing the significant challenges facing Dutch powerhouse Ajax.
The Eredivisie club is currently seeking a new permanent manager after parting ways with Maurice Steijn in October 2023.
Interim coach John van’t Schip has been in charge since then but has struggled to turn things around.
Ajax, now with former Liverpool captain Henderson among their ranks, recently suffered a humiliating 6-0 defeat to arch-rivals Feyenoord, following an earlier 4-0 loss to Aston Villa in the Europa League.
Sky Sports reports that Potter, who previously managed Chelsea and Brighton, was approached for a key coaching role at Ajax.
However, discussions did not lead to an agreement, as Potter has chosen to postpone his return to coaching after being sacked by Chelsea in April 2023.
The 48-year-old remains a target for Manchester United, who are considering their options regarding Erik ten Hag. This suggests that Potter may soon take on a rebuilding project at Old Trafford rather than tackling the challenges at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
Manchester United is reportedly eyeing Graham Potter as a potential replacement for current manager Erik ten Hag, with former Chelsea boss Ten Hag having made contact with British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Ratcliffe is set to assume control of football operations at United with a substantial 25% stake valued at £1.3 billion.
According to The Sun, Ratcliffe is considering Potter as a managerial option for the Red Devils, though Ten Hag’s immediate dismissal is not currently on the table.
Ratcliffe, however, may need to reassess the situation if United fails to improve their disappointing form, highlighted by their exit from the Champions League after finishing at the bottom of their group.
The pressure on Ten Hag has intensified following United’s setbacks in European and domestic competitions.
Notably, there are suggestions that the Dutch manager could potentially move to a Champions League club, with Borussia Dortmund being linked to him by BILD columnist Jan Aage Fjortoft.
Man Utd want Graham Potter! Ex-Chelsea boss linked with sensational return to Premier League as incoming chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe has already made contact
Despite Dortmund’s struggles in the Bundesliga, they secured the top spot in theirChampions League group, finishing ahead of a star-studded Paris Saint-Germain, potentially providing some respite for current manager Edin Terzic.
Since parting ways with Chelsea in April, Graham Potter has consistently turned down coaching offers. In late November, he reportedly rejected an offer to become the head coach of Sweden’s national team.
Notably, Potter achieved success with Swedish side Ostersunds, guiding them to three promotions in five years and securing the Swedish Cup in 2017.
Potter’s coaching prowess has long been admired by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who has considered him the preferred choice to take charge at Ligue 1 side Nice after the departure of Didier Digard.
However, this move did not materialise, and Francesco Farioli assumed the role. The tide may now turn for Potter and the INEOS sporting group if Manchester United fails to rejuvenate their fortunes under Erik ten Hag in a timely manner.
Raheem Sterling indirectly criticized former manager Graham Potter after his outstanding performance in Chelsea’s victory over Luton Town.
Chelsea had an easy 3-0 win at their home stadium on Friday night, which was the first win since Mauricio Pochettino became their manager.
Sterling scored two amazing goals before and after halftime and then helped Nicolas Jackson score his first goal for the Blues.
The English soccer player was rightfully chosen as the best player of the game. He played exceptionally well, similar to how he used to play when he was with Manchester City. This level of performance has rarely been seen from him since he joined Stamford Bridge last summer.
This could be because Potter sometimes made Potter play in positions where he wasn’t as good, like playing forward further back on the field. This happened during the few months when Potter was in charge and it didn’t go well.
But with Pochettino, Sterling feels like a completely different player and he was eager to emphasize the positive influence his new boss has had, as well as the significance of playing in a proper manner.
It was clear that we started okay against Liverpool, but we lost last week against West Ham. So we really needed to win this game. I’m just glad that I could help with that,’ the 28-year-old said to Sky Sports after the match.
I felt frustrated last season because I was constantly in a position where my back was facing the goal. I wasn’t allowing myself enough opportunities to take risks and try new things.
I talked to the boss last week and we discussed the job. I understand what he expects from me, and it’s really straight forward. I just need to be aggressive,attack other players, and play my best.
I went through a tough time,but it’s over now. I believe the most crucial thing is that I have examined myself and discovered that I am someone who consistently tries to figure out my actions,learn from my mistakes, and make improvements.
I just want to start loving football again – that’s it. Playing football all day everyday,making goals and helping others make goals too.
In the first Liverpool game, I felt like I was too focused on my own actions, just like last season when I spent too much time passing the ball to the full backs from a deep position.
We had a basic conversation and he [Pochettino] said, “Raheem, it doesn’t matter where you play – as long as you give your best effort, are energetic, then nobody can stop you, just be decisive with the ball”. I really want and am eager to do that.
Many things have occurred in my career. I faced a new problem that was hard. Sometimes my thinking may not be very clear -it’s important to have a clear understanding to see what you want.
‘I really love football a lot and I want to make sure I continue to enjoy it at a high level’ .
After making a spectacular comeback to the Chelsea bench,Frank Lampard insisted that he is only thinking about the current results and not beyond the conclusion of his interim tenure with the club.
After Graham Potter was fired earlier this month, the Blues rehired their great midfielder and former manager on an interim basis.
Lampard’s comeback may also serve as a fantastical tryout for the position he previously held on a long-term basis as Todd Boehly intensifies his search for a long-term replacement.
However, the 44-year-old insists he is not getting ahead of himself following his return.
“I’m a very practical person,” he said. “To come back in a time where the club has asked me, I’m delighted to get the opportunity, and I’m thankful for that.
“I think the role speaks for itself, in the period that I’m here. I’m not getting anywhere ahead of myself. I want to do the best that I can in the best possible way.”
Frank Lampard returns as Caretaker Manager until the end of the season. 🤝
Lampard was dismissed in 2021 and had to watch on as his successor Thomas Tuchel guided his squad to Champions League success.
He refused to mull the poetry of him succeeding Potter with a European quarter-final against Real Madrid on the horizon, but acknowledged he is relishing the test.
“It’s certainly a chance,” he added. “I’m not naive, Real Madrid is a huge football club. My job is to go step-by-step.
“But of course having played a part in coaching in the Champions League, I’m excited to be fighting in that competition again.
“I want to say credit to Graham Potter. Sometimes, for whatever reason, things don’t align. I’ve been in that situation.
“[But] in terms of unfinished business, I don’t quite see it like that. Unfinished business sounds a little bit Hollywood. I want to work, and I want to help this club as much as I can.”
Lampard would not be drawn on the future of Mason Mount either amid questions over the England international’s place at Stamford Bridge.
However, he was glowing in his assessment of the midfielder, who he helped nurture at both Derby and Chelsea in separate spells.
“I don’t know enough about it for me to talk about it,” he added. “Mason has always been a fantastic player for me, from my days at Derby.
“It has been a pleasure watching him. I know he’s had a few slight injury problems, but I know what I get from Mason. I think he’s a huge player for Chelsea.”
As the owner approaches a year after its takeover, the whirlwind atChelsea under the control of Todd Boehly and the Clearlake Capital consortium continues.
The majority of the judgements made since the takeover have been perfect, but one bad choice has resulted in a chain reaction of poor choices that have cost money and time.
The decision to fire Champions League champion Thomas Tuchel and replace him with Graham Potter has disastrously backfired.
Potter is gone in seven months, and the search for another manager begins.
Athletic UK reports that the club have reached an agreement with club legend and former manager Frank Lampard as caretaker manager until the end of the season.
This was done to allow more time to carry out the exhaustive search for a new manager, with Luis Enrique and Julian Nagelsmann leading contenders for the job, according to Evening Standard.
Fans’ reaction to Lampard’s return
Lampard was manager between July 2019 and January 2021.
He achieved the top four in his first season despite the transfer ban, but after spending over £200m in his second season, he failed and was sacked mid-season.
Since then, he has gone to Everton and has been sacked again, which has left fans unimpressed by his return, even as a caretaker until the end of the season.
@CFCDUBois wrote: ”First mistake was sacking Tuchel. Second mistake was delaying sacking Potter when he was out of his depth for ages. Now hiring Lampard after he showed he was out of his depth. ‘Vibes’ isn’t the best way to approach a UCL QF. 1% chance 99% faith.”
@CFCMod_ wrote: ”Frank Lampard in 2023, just one normal day at this club is all I ask for man, he will be our manager till the end of the season, this is laughable.”
@gyaigyimii wrote: ”Who did I offend to be getting this. From Tuchel leaving to Potter and now back to Lampard. I’m sorry” While the majority of the fans are against the appointment, a few others welcomed the idea of having him until the end of the season, as it is a better option than Bruno Saltor, who has hinted he did not want to stay.
Tuchel wanted Chelsea return
Sports Brief reported that Tuchel hinted he could return to Chelsea if his successor Potter had been sacked before he took over at Bayern Munich. The German’s comment on Potter’s sacking communicates this assertion, and it is a move Chelsea fans would have wanted.
Gus Poyet, a former player for the Blues, saidthat Graham Potter’s dismissal from Chelsea was “harsh,” but ultimately it was the cost of falling short of expectations.
When new co-owner Todd Boehly started to make his presence known at Stamford Bridge last September, the former manager of Brighton was chosen to succeed Thomas Tuchel.
Potter was fired less than six months into his position, however, after the team’s weekend loss to Aston Villa saw them drop to 11th in the Premier League.
Poyet, a Chelsea cult hero and former Brighton boss himself, feels the decision to fire the 47-year-old was a tough one but ultimately unsurprising given their slide down the table.
He said: “I think it was a difficult period. They had a few good results, especially in the Champions League, and it looked [like] a new beginning.
“But football nowadays, it depends on so many things. We don’t analyse performances anymore, only a result. I think for Graham in particular, it’s harsh.
-7.4 – Chelsea underperformed their xG by 7.4 during Graham Potter's Premier League reign, the worst differential of any side since his first game in charge (21 goals from 28.4 xG).
-7.4 | Chelsea -6.7 | West Ham -6.1 | Everton -5.8 | Southampton -5.3 | Forest
“Brighton to Chelsea is a big change. That is a learning process, but at the same time, it’s Chelsea. When you are in a team like Chelsea, with the money spent, you definitely cannot be 11th.”
He added: “He’s learned that at Chelsea, it’s important to win. If Chelsea don’t win, the fans are not going to be happy because the Chelsea fans are winners and they feel the need to win.
“I think personality is very important. I think it’s very important when a coach in the situation that Chelsea are now can start winning games, but at the same time they will develop young players.
“I don’t know how many managers will walk into a club in the quarter-final of the Champions League. It’s a dream job. But I think Chelsea first need to be clear what are the characteristics of the manager [they want].”
In order to find a long-term replacement forGraham Potter, Chelsea has launched a complex plan.
Since Potter was fired from his position as manager of the Blues on Sunday night, the team is currently without a permanent manager.
After Potter had earlier on Saturday led the west London team to a humiliating 2-0 loss to Aston Villa, he was fired shortly after.
The defeat came amid sustained calls by fans to have the 47-year-old sacked following Chelsea’s disastrous run of form and results under him.
Prior to Potter’s sacking, the west Londoners had dropped to 11th on the Premier league standings, with just 38 points.
Who will replace Potter?
There are a string of world-class managers currently without a job that Chelsea could consider for the vacant Stamford Bridge.
While it remains unclear if the club will get a permanent replacement immediately, it is almost certain they will hire a substantive replacement for the remainder of the season.
According to The Mirror, former Brighton defender Bruno Saltor has already been put in interim charge as the search for Potter’s successor gets underway.
Sports Brief takes a look at eight prospective candidates that Chelsea could consider for the role.
1. Julian Nagelsmann
The immediate former Bayern Munich boss is the most obvious name out there.
Nagelsmann was sacked by Bayern at the end of February, with Thomas Tuchel, ironically, succeeding him. The German has also been linked with the vacant Tottenham job.
2. Mauricio Pochettino
The former Paris Saint-Germain man is one of the most sought after managers currently without a job.
Poch has sufficient Premier League experience, having previously managed Tottenham and Southampton.
Incidentally, he has also been touted as a possible replacement for Antonio Conte at Tottenham.
3. Luis Enrique
Luis Enrique is a natural winner, at least going by his managerial stint at Barcelona where he won two La Liga titles and the Champions League. He is among the high-profile managers without a job at the moment, having been sacked as the Spain head coach back in December.
4. Brendan Rodgers
This is perhaps a surprise inclusion in this list. Brendan Rodgers was rendered jobless over the weekend after he was sacked as the Leicester boss.
The former Liverpool manager was handed his marching orders after overseeing a disastrous reign at the King Power Stadium that had seen the club drop into the relegation zone.
Despite the rough patch he endured with Leicester, Brendan is still highly rated in the Premier League.
5. Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane is the other high-ranking manager currently unattached. Widely regarded as one of the most successful managers, Zidane has been out of work for two years, having left his role at Real Madrid in 2021. The former midfielder won two La Liga titles and three Champions Leagues during his Real Madrid reign.
6. Carlo Ancelotti
Should Chelsea go for Carlo Ancelotti, it would mark the Italian’s second return to Stamford Bridge. Ancelotti won the Premier League and FA Cup during his first spell with the Blues and has gone on to enjoy an illustrious managerial career wherever he has managed. The legendary tactician is currently with Real Madrid and has been linked with the Brazil national team role.
7. Thomas Frank
Thomas Frank has raised his stakes in the Premier League after an incredible run with Brentford this season.
Graham Potter found it difficult to influence the Chelsea players and was unable to produce results on the pitch; after only seven months in the position, it was inevitable to fire him.
The Blues sporting department are working actively to find his replacement and, in the meantime, have installed one of his assistants Bruno Saltor as the interim boss.
According to Sky Sports, former Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann, whom former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel replaced last week, is the favourite to be the new head coach at Stamford Bridge.
Tuchel speaks on Potter’s sack
Tuchel began his tenure at Bayern with a 4-2 win over his former club Borussia Dortmund and faces a tricky tie against SC Freiburg in the DFB Pokal tomorrow.
Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s game, he was asked about the vacant managerial role at Chelsea.
His response suggested he would have re-taken the job if he were unemployed, according to Mirror UK.
“I saw the news very late last night. The timing coincided with my appointment here. I really enjoyed working there and formed friendships for life.
But the club has changed a lot, so it didn’t really trigger big emotions in me,” he said.
Graham Potter, in the opinion of interim Chelsea head coach Bruno Saltar, did an “amazing job” for the team.
Following a loss to Aston Villa on Saturday that sent the team into the bottom half of the Premier League rankings, the Blues severed connections with Potter on Sunday.
Less than seven months had passed since Potter’s hiring at Stamford Bridge, when he succeeded Champions League-winning coach Thomas Tuchel. His departure also followed a major spending binge in the January transfer window.
Potter was finally fired because he was unable to use the talents of Chelsea’s wide range of newcomers and because of a serious goal scoring deficit.
Despite all of that, Potter did an impressive job in west London in the eyes of Bruno.
“I’m here right now because Graham and the club thought that was the right step, I’m here to just try to help the club and be the most professional I can,” he said at a pre-match press conference.
“I’m just trying to keep the process going, to collaborate the best that we can. I think Graham did an amazing job. Football is a really complex business and we have to keep going.
“It’s been really difficult at every single level, you have to deal with the press conference, you have to deal with the players. It’s difficult to deal with it, it’s been a really difficult 12 hours.”
Bruno faces a baptism of fire at Stamford Bridge, with his first game coming against top-four chasing Liverpool, and he expressed his admiration for opposing boss Jurgen Klopp.
“We have to see it as an opportunity for the players. We’re representing Chelsea, a club with amazing history, who are about winning, about dominating,” he added.
“We need to prepare for the game, preparation helps a lot with performance. That’s what players need to focus on.
“Obviously I have pure admiration towards Jurgen. I can’t say anything other than what everyone knows. They’re going through a tough season as well, but have top players.
“We’re expecting a tough game, that’s aggressive because they have high intensity players.”
After a 2-0 loss to Aston Villa, which dropped Chelsea to 11th place in the Premier League, Potter was fired less than seven months into his job at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues’ next match is at home against Liverpool, who are still licking their wounds from Saturday’s 4-1 loss at Manchester City.
According to their high standards, Liverpool is having a terrible season. The Reds have lost nine league games, are currently in eighth place, are eliminated from the FA Cup and the Champions League, and are eight points behind fourth-placed Manchester United.
And Klopp is aware it is the success of previous campaigns that is keeping him in a job.
“The elephant in the room is why I’m still sitting here, in this crazy world. Last man standing,” Klopp told reporters.
“I’m aware of the fact that I’m sitting here because of the past, not because of what we did this season.
“If it was my first season, that would be slightly different. Yes, we have smart owners, they know about the situation, but you better ask them yourselves.”
-7.4 – Chelsea underperformed their xG by 7.4 during Graham Potter's Premier League reign, the worst differential of any side since his first game in charge (21 goals from 28.4 xG).
-7.4 | Chelsea -6.7 | West Ham -6.1 | Everton -5.8 | Southampton -5.3 | Forest
“There’s no need to be afraid, I’m here to deliver. I’m not here as a talisman or whatever, or for murals on walls. I’m here to deliver, nothing else in my mind. But I know I’m here because of the last few years.
“I don’t like the fact that I have to pretty much rely on that. Is it right or not? We will see in the future. I am fully in, there’s no doubt, but we have to sort it.
“We cannot just continue playing like we do from time to time. Not always, thank God, but from time to time – it’s really not allowed. I’m really disappointed by us, that we do these kind of things, but they happen. We have to find a way out, that’s what we’re working on.”
Potter’s dismissal followed on from Brendan Rodgers losing his job at Leicester City, with the Foxes in 19th place.
The pair of departures came a week on from Tottenham cutting ties with Antonio Conte.
“I think both clubs [Chelsea and Leicester] are not where they expect to be,” Klopp said. “I cannot say a lot more about it. I respect them a lot. I like them both. When I met them, really good people, fantastic managers, both of them, but still, things can go the wrong way.
“When decision-makers at a club think they have to change, then they change. I think we all accept that’s part of the business.
“That’s it, a strange week. Conte was the last week, [Julian] Nagelsmann [sacked by Bayern Munich], and now these two.
The season gets into a decisive part and people are afraid of maybe not reaching their targets.
“You would have to ask the decisive people what they will say about it. For all four I mentioned, the managing future is still bright. It’s not a disaster.”
Klopp was unsure how much Potter’s dismissalwould impact Chelsea, noting he expects the Blues to set up in a similar system.
One thing he was sure about was the reaction that is required from Liverpool.
“As badly [needed] as possible,” Klopp said, before calling the defeat to City a “super strange game”.
“It’s unacceptable, but it happened anyway. Now we have to make sure we are ready, that’s it,” he added.
Graham Potter lost his job at Chelsea, but other Premier League teams still think highly of the Englishman. According to shocking new reports, the 47-year-old still has a number of suitors, including Leicester City.
In an ironic turn of events, Leicester are also searching for a new manager after letting Brendan Rodgers leave after four years in charge.
When Rodgers left the Foxes, the team was in 19th place, while Potter was fired by Chelsea after the team fell to the bottom of the standings.
Rodgers left the Foxes with the club in 19th place, while Potter was dismissed by Chelsea after the club slipped to the bottom half of the log.
For Leicester, their next managerial appointment will be crucial, especially because they are fighting relegation.
According to TalkSport, the Foxes have been huge admirers of Potter and the Englishman has been on the club’s radar from his Brighton & Hove Albion days.
Potter’s ratings shot up in 2019 when he took charge of the Seagulls, with his attractive style of football earning admirers around the league.
He was offered his first real test of a job when Chelsea sacked Thomas Tuchel in September 2022, but his stint was anything but straightforward.
In his 22 Premier League games in charge, Potter won just seven times, with Chelsea slipping from sixth to 11th during his reign.
At the moment, the Blues’ hopes for Champions League football solely hinges on them winning the competition but that in itself is an uphill task, as they face Real Madrid in the quarter-finals.
According to The Mail, there are other big names who are in the frame for the Leicester job. Former Newcastle and Everton manager, Rafa Benitez is among these, while Jesse Marsch, Ralph Hasenhuttl, and Adi Hutter are also considered as contenders.
Premier League managerial casualties
It was highlighted the long list of EPL managers who were fired so far this season.
A massive 12 managers have been sacked, with 10 of them starting the year as head coaches. A new record has been set for the most sackings in an EPL season after Potter exited Chelsea.
After Graham Potter was fired as the club manager, Chelsea supporters expressed their happiness on social media. On Sunday, April 2, just one day after the Blues were humiliated 2-0 by Aston Villa, Potter was fired from Stamford Bridge.
The 2021 Champions League champions have endured a frustrating run of results under the Englishman, and they are almost certainly going to miss out on a top-four spot at the end of the season.
Potter, who took over as manager only in September 2021, has presided over a dismal run of results, with Chelsea managing just 10 victories in their last 28 games.
The woeful run of form saw a section of fans call on the club to sack Potter, with their 2-0 defeat against Villa leaving the club with no choice but to get rid of the former Brighton boss.
“Chelsea FC has announced that Graham Potter has departed the club. Graham has agreed to collaborate with the Club to facilitate a smooth transition,”
Chelsea fans react to Potter’s sacking The news of Potter’s sacking sent fans into a wild meltdown, with many welcoming the drastic move.
One posted: “It’s the right move. He’ll go down in history as Chelsea’s worst-ever manager.”
A second added: “Thank you @ChelseaFC @todd_boehly @Dannythefink and all the others. It was the right thing to do.”
A third continued: “Imperium curse broken.Hard luck Mr Potter, but this was a long time coming.” Another posted: “I’ve waited for this day my whole life.” However, there are those who commiserated with Potter, with one tweeting: “All the very best to Potter, we all are sorry that it didn’t work out….
He needs more time and experience to reach Chelsea level.”
Potter praises Enzo and Mudryk
As reported earlier Potter praised two January signings, Enzo Fernandez and Mykhailo Mudryk, after their performances against Leicester City. The duo contributed an assist each after costing Chelsea a combined €221m in the winter transfer window contributing to more than 60% of the window’s spending.
Following Thomas Tuchel’s resignation as manager of the Champions League-winning team in September of last year, Potter, 47, left Brighton to assume control at Stamford Bridge.
However, despite inheriting a star-studded team, the former Seagulls manager was unable to maximise its potential, and a flurry of January signings seemed to make matters worse.
And the Blues have confirmed that Bruno Saltor will take charge as interim head coach following Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa, which saw Potter’s side slip into the bottom half of the Premier League table.
Co-controlling owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali said: “On behalf of everyone at the club, we want to thank Graham sincerely for his contribution.
“We have the highest degree of respect for Graham as a coach and a person.
“He has always conducted himself with professionalism and integrity and we are all disappointed in this outcome.
“Along with our incredible fans, we will all be getting behind Bruno and the team as we focus on the rest of the season.
Bruno Saltor has been placed in interim charge following Graham Potter’s departure
“We have 10Premier League games remaining and a Champions League quarter-final ahead.
“We will put every effort and commitment into every one of those games so that we can end the season on a high.”
Potter, who was hampered by injuries to the likes of N’Golo Kante and Reece James, continued to chop and change his starting line-up as he attempted to find his best XI and impose his philosophy.
But Boehly and Co decided enough was enough after the limp performance against Villa left Chelsea 11th in the league.
The Blues host Liverpool on Tuesday night before heading to Wolves on Saturday.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is sick of being a substitute for Premier League club Chelsea and wants to negotiate a pay cut so he can join La Liga powerhouse Barcelona again.
In the hopes that the Gabonese striker would assist them in scoring goals, Chelsea paid Barcelona £10 million last summer to sign Aubameyang.
However, since the former Arsenal captain moved to Stamford Bridge, he has been having trouble and has only managed to score three goals in 18 appearances this season across all competitions.
The 33-year-old has also been frozen out of Potter’s plan at Chelsea and he is not happy about the development.
According to the report on GOAL, Aubameyang is unhappy at Chelsea and is willing to accept a pay cut to head back to Barcelona in the summer.
Will Barcelona accept him back?
The report added that the Catalans are said to be considering a one-year loan option for Aubameyang.
Barcelona have also been linked to Athletico Paranaense forward Vitor Roque.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are in the race to sign new striker in the summer with Nigerian star Victor Osimhen said to be their main target.
The Blues will have to go into competition with Man United who are also interested.
🚨 Chelsea are set to RIP-UP Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's contract this summer.
Earlier, Sports Brief had reported how Chelsea and having striker problems now looks like an established curse after the majority of their previous number 9s have failed to make impacts at the club.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang joined the list of failed strikers at the club almost immediately after the club shipped out £97.5m striker Romelu Lukaku on loan to Inter Milan after falling out with former coach Thomas Tuchel.
The Gabonese was brought in to replace Lukaku, but his relationship with Tuchel lasted 59 minutes on the pitch before the German was shown the exit and replaced with Graham Potter.
Italian giants Inter Milan are interested in bringing him to his former stomping ground San Siro in the summer.
When Chelsea defeated Leicester City on March 11, Graham Potter explained why he substituted Joao Felix at halftime. Chelsea continued their mini-revival with a 3-1 victory over Leicester City after a protracted stretch of subpar performances under the embattled Potter.
With the victory on Saturday, all competitions have now seen three straight victories.
Patson Daka’s bolt was rendered useless, keeping Chelsea’s flimsy hopes of playing in Europe alive thanks to goals from Ben Chilwell, Kai Havertz, and Mateo Kovacic.
On-loan striker Felix appeared to sustain an injury in the first half, costing the team their victory.
The Portuguese forward was a target of very feisty attacks from the home side, with Ricardo Perreira extremely lucky to avoid a sending-off after stamping on his foot.
The 23-year-old was withdrawn at half-time, with Conor Gallagher taking his place. Potter has now explained the thinking behind that decision. “Tactically, I wanted to use an extra midfielder. I felt we needed someone who could ball win, a different profile and I thought Conor was fantastic,” as quoted by Evening Standard.
Felix’s situation at Chelsea
The news will come as a double-edged sword to Chelsea fans.
Good news in the sense that Felix did not pick up an injury that would confine him on the mending table for a long time. The Blues have had their fair share of injury woes that has greatly destabilised Potter’s plans this season.
However, Felix has now been substituted in the last four games after he did little to impress. His loan option doesn’t have a buy option, but he has indicated an interest in remaining at Stamford Bridge.
His chemistry with Havertz is yet to hit the desired standards. He will have to put in more work to convince Todd Boehly to sanction a permanent move for him.
Mudryk unleashes Drogba celebration
In the same game, Sports Brief has reportedthat Chelsea fans are convinced Mykhailo Mudryk paid tribute to Didier Drogba with his goal celebration
The Blues went into the game buoyed from their Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund in midweek and started the game brightly, with Ben Chilwell finding the net against his former club. In the second half, Mudryk, who was a live wire throughout the game, thought he had found the net with a decent effort, but his goal was ruled out for offside.
No one gave the Ukranian the memo in the initial moments after scoring as he emphatically ran to the corner flag in celebration before knee-sliding and thrusting his hands in celebration.
When Chelsea and Leicester City square off in a Premier League match on Saturday, March 11, at the King Power Stadium, Graham Potter has confirmed that Chelsea will be without two key players.
The Blues will depart for their trip to face Leicester City having had a fantastic week that saw them advance to the quarterfinals of the Champions League.
To advance to the final of the competition on a 2-1 goal aggregate, Potter’s charges silenced Borussia Dortmund 2-0 in the second leg of their round of 16 match played at Stamford Bridge.
Metro UK claims that Chelsea’s significant victory over Dortmund followed a 1-0 Premier League triumph over Leeds.
The west Londoners will now be looking to build on their new-found momentum when they play Leicester this Saturday as they eye a European football spot. Auba, James to miss Leicester clash.
However, they will have to do it without two key players, with both Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Reece James ruled out of the King Power Stadium trip.
The development was confirmed by Potter, with the Chelsea boss revealing that Raheem Sterling is also a major doubt. “Reece has been ill, so hasn’t trained today. He won’t make the gam,” Potter said via Goal.
Chelsea fans slam Potter
Sports Brief previously reported on fans slamming Potter for not watching Kai Havertz retake a penalty after the German hit the foot of the post on his first attempt.
The English manager comes off as a soft personality who is relatively quiet on the touchline, but he has to be more vocal to help his team maintain the momentum.
Evening Standard reported the 47-year-old was more animated on the sidelines during the win over Leeds and showed more fight in the game against Dortmund.
Despite rumours linking him toTottenham, Roberto De Zerbi is content at Brighton and Hove Albion and committed to helping the Seagulls break records this season.
Since taking over for Graham Potter in September, De Zerbi has made a significant impact at Brighton and helped the Seagulls contend for European qualification.
With three games remaining, Brighton is seven points behind fourth-placed Spurs in the Premier League standings. Their 43 goals this season are also a competition record.
With De Zerbi’s team performing well, he has been mentioned as a potential successor to Antonio Conte, who is expected to leave Spurs by the end of the current season, along with people like Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Frank, and Steve Cooper.
Asked about those links at a press conference ahead of Saturday’s trip to Leeds United, De Zerbi said: “I have a long contract with Brighton and I’m happy to work here.
“I’m enjoying working with these players, I’m delighted with my players for their performance and I can’t ask for more, it’s a good moment in my life.”
🧵- Welcome to @OptaJoe's Thursday Thread, where we'll look at the impact of Roberto De Zerbi since joining Brighton. Across Europe's top five leagues, only Barcelona (64%) & Bayern Munich (63%) have averaged more possession than the Seagulls (62%) since last October. Control. pic.twitter.com/tsii80Y1GT
head of the trip to Elland Road, Brighton are unbeaten in their last five Premier League away games (W3 D2), the joint-longest current run in the competition, alongside Brentford.
We need to take our chances – Howe disappointed at another Newcastle blank
Brighton have also failed to score just once in 11 away league games this term (0-2 at Brentford in October) – no Premier League side have drawn a blank on fewer road trips (Arsenal also one).
With Brighton earning plaudits for their enterprising style and with the race for European qualification wide open, De Zerbi is aware of the potential their campaign holds.
“People are speaking about our quality of play, and for that I am proud. But we have to be focused only on the next games. We have a clear target,” he said.
“We have a dream. We know we can write a new history for the club. This is a nice challenge.
“It will be difficult. We know what we can expect, but now we are able to win. I think now we have a complete squad with many young players, we are stronger.
“We want to arrive in Europe but we have to push and take it game by game. Tomorrow starts a difficult period with three games in a week, but we are ready to fight for our targets.”
Everything begins at the back for Brighton.
Since the start of October, Lewis Dunk has averaged more passes per 90 than any other player in the Premier League (92.8). He also leads all defenders for involvement in build-up sequences that end with a shot (52). Initiator. pic.twitter.com/hetl5rHqa4
Graham Potter is not going to hide behind the backing he has received fromChelsea’s owners and is not paying attention to the commotion surrounding his future ahead of a match with Leeds.
Blues head coach Potter, who was only hired in September of last year, is under a lot of pressure as a result of an 11-game winning streak.
Chelsea lost its third straight game without scoring, falling to 10th place in the Premier League after a 2-0 London derby loss at Tottenham last Sunday.
When relegation-threatened Leeds visit Stamford Bridge on Saturday, Potter, who has the support of the Blues hierarchy, knows his team needs to stop the bleeding.
Asked if he still has support from the owners, Potter said: “There is support and I’ve spoken to them. But I’m not going to hide behind that. The results haven’t been good enough.”
He added: “My position is that I need to focus on the next game. Whatever the discussions are, that’s not for me.”
The former Brighton and Hove Albion boss is not paying much attention to speculation over his job during such a challenging period.
Asked how he copes with the noise, he replied: “By not listening too much to it is the honest answer. I take it step by step, focus on the next thing. You get through the days and the week.
“We’re fighting for improvement. Talking is one thing, we have to do it on the pitch.”
He said: “Supporters care and how that comes out is understandable. They’re hurting and we are too. We thank them for their support – and when you lose to the team that are bottom you expect a negative response.
“We’ve not given them enough to give them a reason to be excited about the team.”
Potter revealed Thiago Silva is expected to be out for around six weeks after suffering a knee injury, while Mason Mount will miss the game against Leeds due to an abdominal issue and Reece James is a doubt because of a tight hamstring.
N’Golo Kante (hamstring) came through a first full training session on Friday but needs time to step up his fitness, while Edouard Mendy (finger) is making progress.
Graham Potter’s choice to leave at least four Chelsea players out of the matchday squad against Tottenham Hotspur is said to have disappointed them.
Chelsea’s first loss came by a score of 2-0 at their rival’s new home pitch, which made Potter’s issues even worse and made the possibility of missing out on playing in Europe next season a reality.
Harry Kane and Oliver Skipp both scored goals in the second half to tie Chelsea, who had only two victories in their previous 15 games.
Football London reports that at least four players were shocked to learn they wouldn’t be on the team before the game.
Chelsea’s huge squad
Apart from churning out good results, Potter is struggling to satisfy a bloated squad after the club’s intense forays in the transfer market that saw at least eight new players arrive in the January window alone. The former Brighton boss is spoilt with options, with many senior players struggling for game time.
For the Spurs clash, Marc Cucurella, Carney Chukwuemeka, David Datro Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah were reportedly disappointed after they failed to even make the bench. There was a place for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who hasn’t been involved a lot in recent times for the Blues.
With time quickly running out for Potter, he will have to find a way to maintain squad unity as he attempts to get things in order. Chelsea’s next two games are vital clashes against Leeds United and Borussia Dortmund at Stamford Bridge.
What Potter needs to fix at Chelsea Sports Brief had earlier given a guideline of the things Potter needs to fix immediately at Chelsea to save his job.
He is arguably facing the greatest test of his career as he struggles to save a sinking Chelsea ship. Talks have been rife that perhaps managing a ‘top-six’ club came a tad bit too soon for a coach who had shown so much promise at Brighton and Östersunds.
As he may know by now, a draw and an ‘excellent performance’ without the results does not cut it at a club of Chelsea’s stature. His favourite excuse of the players giving everything after a loss has rubbedfans the wrong way.
Chelsea is thinking about signing Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic this summer, according to reports.
Blues manager Graham Potter is under fire because his team has only scored 23 goals in 24 Premier League games this season.
Romelu Lukaku’s season-long loan at Inter Milan is set to expire, and there is no true No. 9, so Todd Bohely and company appear ready to spend big money once more before the start of the upcoming season.
Football Insider predicts that Chelsea will be successful in persuading Juve, who is short on cash, to sell 23-year-old Vlahovic for a reasonable price.
In other news
Multiple sources suggest Real Madridare monitoring Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, 25.
The Times claim Chelsea have reignited their interest in RB Leipzig centre-backJosko Gvardiol, 21.
reportedly eyeing a summer swoop for Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic.
The Blues have netted just 23 goals in 24 Premier League games this season, and under-fire boss Graham Potter is desperate to beef up his attack.
Lacking a true No9, and with Romelu Lukaku’s future uncertain when his season-long loan at Inter Milan comes to an end, Todd Bohely and Co are seemingly set to splash the cash once again before next term.
And Football Insider believes Chelsea will be able to persuade cash-strapped Juventus to part with 23-year-old Vlahovic at a reasonable price.
Liverpool are said to be in the driving seat to lure Mason Mount from Stamford Bridge if the England midfielder, 24, fails to agree a new contract, according to The Daily Mail.
Although Haaland, 22, is seemingly loving life in Manchester, Rafaela Pimenta has confirmed it would be a dream for her client to sign for the LaLiga giants.
Graham Potter is having a terrible time with Chelsea, and he might soon be leaving Stamford Bridge.
The Blues were defeated once more over the weekend, this time by Tottenham, a rival team from London.
Despite their recent high-profile signing effort, Potter’s team has one of the lowest scoring averages in the Premier League.
If Todd Boehly and company lose at Leeds on Saturday, they may have no choice but to fire their English manager.
We examine five potential successors for the 47-year-old in West London.
Jose Mourinho
Jose Mourinho is the name at the top of many Chelsea fans’ wish lists with the Roma boss said to be keen on a third stint at the five-time Premier League winners.
The Portuguese head coach delivered the league title to Stamford Bridge twice during his first stay and then again in 2014-2015.
Reports have suggested that the legendary manager wants to return to England one more time to win further silverware after failing to do so during his time in charge of Spurs.
With his family said to still be living in London, it is certainly not impossible that Chelsea’s most successful coach could return to the club that sacked him on two occasions.
Jose Mourinho won three Premier League titles in two spells at Chelsea
Mauricio Pochettino
It is no secret that Mauricio Pochettino spends a lot of time in England having been relieved of his duties by Paris Saint-Germain last July.
Former Southampton and Spurs boss Poch was well known for his high-intensity, attacking football — especially during his reign in North London.
The 50-year-old looks to be biding his time when it comes to securing his next job but there is some excitement around what Pochettino could do with Chelsea’s young and hugely-talented squad.
However, it remains to be seen whether the Argentine is waiting for Antonio Conte to depart his beloved Spurs so that he can return to management in a familiar environment.
Luis Enrique’s time at the helm of the Spanish national side came to an abrupt end when they were dumped out of the World Cup by Morocco.
The 2010 winners were contenders to lift the trophy in Qatar but crashed out on penalties in the last 16, leaving the former Barcelona boss searching for a new adventure.
The 52-year-old has not taken a job in club management since he left the Camp Nou in 2017 but an opportunity at Chelsea could turn his head towards a challenge in the Premier League.
Luis Enrique is a tactical expert who would be capable of developing the Blues into a well-oiled machine able to challenge for honours if the Spaniard is given the time and resources.
Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane achieved great success at Real Madrid
It seems an age since Zinedine Zidane guided Real Madrid to three consecutive Champions League titles but he is another who may be tempted by a vacancy at Chelsea.
The Frenchman has been linked with almost every top job in Europe since his departure from Los Blancos in 2021 — and for good reason.
His excellent man-management skills would be a welcome sight for fans of the West London club as the squad appears unsettled by so many new faces this term.
Zidane was said to be patiently waiting for the French national team job but Didier Deschamps’ decision to stay on as Les Bleus boss may prompt the former midfielder to seek an alternative route back into the dugout.
Diego Simeone
Diego Simeone is another option for Chelsea
Diego Simeone may be tempted by a new project having spent 11 years in charge of Atletico Madrid and is a proven winner at the top level.
He has boasted some impressive achievements in the Spanish capital, coaching Atleti to the title ahead of LaLiga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona in 2014 and 2021 alongside two visits to the Champions League final.
Well known for his defensive tactics, Simeone is an expert at game management and relies on counter-attacks to breach the opposition.
And with an arsenal of tools available in West London, the 52-year-old Argentine would be able to stamp his authority on this young squad.
Mikel Arteta, manager of Arsenal, said he understood what Graham Potter is going through at Chelsea right now as pressure to fire the former Brighton & Hove Albion manager grows. The Englishman once more had nowhere to run as the Blues fell to Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 on February 26.
Following that loss, an intriguing petition to fire Potter was started, and according to The Mirror, up to 45,000 enraged fans have signed it. The ex-Seagulls manager, who still thinks he is the right person for the job at Stamford Bridge, lost Chelsea for the 10th time in 17 games during the London derby.
Potter interestingly cited Mikel Arteta and Jurgen Klopp as examples of coaches who had a positive impact on players in his post-game press conference.
Arteta spoke on Potter’s situation where he sympathised with the Englishman. “…We are colleagues and we all know the pressure and the demands and the uncertainty that this industry has,” he said. “At the end of the day, the ball has to go into that net, and there are many factors that can prevent that that are out of your control, so I fully empathise because you suffer and you know how it is when you are going through those moments”.
Not only has Potter had to deal with torrid results on the pitch, he also recently revealed his family had been subjected to death threats. Arteta felt sorry for the Chelsea coach, but did not want to reveal whether he had been a victim of similar threats when his Arsenal side was struggling three years ago.
“You can have difficulties and challenges in your job, which we do especially when you lose, but when you are winning as well because this job is so demanding, but you cannot destroy your life because of that,” Arteta added.
Meanwhile, the Gunners will go five points clear at the top of the table with a win over Sean Dyche’s Everton, who are battling relegation.
Aubameyang surplus to requirements? Sports Brief also reported on why Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could be surplus to requirements at Chelsea, struggling to get minutes under Potter.
So far, the French-Gabonese player has only managed to feature in 11 English Premier League matches for the Blues and has scored just one goal. Most players who wore the No.9 shirt at Stamford Bridge lasted just one season because the manager and fans did not give them a second chance.
If I’m being honest, I can’t see him riding out this rough period, which is a shame because I really wanted him to succeed at Stamford Bridge.
That’s not to say I don’t think he’s capable of turning things around, but I just think time is against him when it comes to halting this woeful run the Blues are on.
Losing the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie at Borussia Dortmund was no disaster. Losing at home to Southampton is a different matter entirely, though.
Todd Boehly has seemed keen to stand by his man but is he willing to give him until the end of the season to continue implementing his ideas without fear of the sack?
That’s not easy for any owner to do. But when you’ve spent the money the Blues have, there’s an even greater need to see some improvement.
Tough to unpick
It’s tough to pinpoint exactly where things are going wrong for the former Brighton boss.
Some may point to him giving the players days off after the Saints loss as a strange move but I’m almost certain that will have been pre-planned.
Potter is an intelligent coach who will be fully aware of player workloads and it’s crucial to manage those properly, even when results aren’t great.
After all, the last thing he needs is more injuries.
With new signings often needing time to bed in, it may be up to some of Chelsea’s more established stars to dig them out of this hole — but look at Mason Mount’s current position off the pitch.
Mason Mount’s contract is another ongoing problem for Chelsea
Talks over his new contract have stalled and it’s a shame someone who has come through the club’s academy and is long established as a first-team regular finds himself in such a position.
Although we can see he’s a valuable player as football fans, the club haven’t paid a fee for him, so he gets treated differently to a new signing.
It’s bizarre, but it’s always been the way in top-level football.
Sadly, I doubt we’ll see any kind of resolution to Mason’s situation until the summer, when there could yet be a new man in charge. Time will tell!
Reds misery
Another side likely to be low on confidence this weekend are Liverpool following their midweek humbling at the hands of Real Madrid.
Facing the European champions is always going to be tough and there’s no shame in losing to the current Madrid side — just look at the teams they had to beat last season in order to lift the trophy.
But we expect the Reds to be able to go toe-to-toe with any side, especially at Anfield, so the manner of the defeat will definitely have knocked the players.
Prior to Tuesday, Jurgen Klopp’s men had managed back-to-back wins over Everton and Newcastle, though those victories weren’t exactly backed up by dominant performances.
The side just looks a long way away from where they have been for so long, so you’d have to expect a busy summer on the transfer front.
I said it at the start of the season and have said it a few times since, but the loss of Sadio Mane has had a huge impact on Liverpool.
Even when he wasn’t playing at his best or scoring goals, Mane set the tone with his pressing and understood what Klopp wanted from his forwards.
In hindsight, you’d have to say not strengthening the midfield last summer was a mistake on the Germans’ part—tthough I don’t think just signing a new midfielder solves their problems.
Joleon Lescott believes Jude Bellingham will overlook Liverpool this summer if they miss out on Champions League qualification
In fairness, if you bring in someone of Jude Bellingham’s calibre, perhaps that does have a telling impact. But would Jude want to join if they miss out on the top four?
I see Bellingham as a potential Ballon d’Or winner, but you have to be playing in the Champions League if you want to win those kinds of accolades.
The top four isn’t out of reach for the Reds just yet, but games like Saturday’s trip to Crystal Palace are becoming must-win fixtures.
DISCLAIMER: Independentghana.com will not be liable for any inaccuracies contained in this article. The views expressed in the article are solely those of the author’s, and do not reflect those of The Independent Ghana
Graham Potter is under pressure as Chelsea’s manager after a stretch of just two victories in his previous 14 Premier League games. However, why hasn’t he been fired?
James Ward-Prowse’s kick on Saturday was all it took to prevent Chelsea from winning for a fifth straight game, adding to the pressure on Potter as a very difficult stretch continues. After a frenetic January shopping spree, the former Brighton manager took over for Thomas Tuchel in September of last year. However, since taking over, Chelsea has not improved under his leadership.
Naturally, his struggle has resulted in many calling for his dismissal, but a new report from The Telegraph has outlined exactly why Chelsea are yet to sack Potter.
The report claims that Chelsea co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali are not yet convinced he is the problem and instead have a list of reasons why they shouldn’t sack him. Injuries behind the scenes are one reason, as is his poker face in the public eye; Potter is described as being “intense” around the Cobham training ground, and the owners have no fears over his mentality, but are instead happy they have a coach who will not throw players under the bus in front of the media.
Point three claims the owners recognise that Potter took a risk in joining the club from Brighton mid-season, something they believe not many top coaches and managers are always willing to do. They also understand he left a very safe environment at Brighton and put his reputation on the line in doing so, and they believe he needs a considerable amount of time to work with new players and develop a relationship with sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart in order to create sustainable success, similar to Pep Guardiola and Txiki Begiristain at Manchester City.
A severe loss of form sees Chelsea languishing in 10th in the Premier League, behind the likes of Liverpool, Fulham and Potter’s former club Brighton. They also find themselves 11 points behind fourth-placed Newcastle, and are at serious risk of not qualifying for the Champions League next season.
The Blues travel across London to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday in a bid to kickstart their season once again, but will also have one eye on theirChampions League last-16 tie on March 7, where they must turn around a first-leg defeat against Borussia Dortmund.
Ben Chilwell acknowledges that the players at Chelsea are entirely to blame for the team’s dismal string of performances.
Graham Potter was under even greater pressure after Saturday’s shocking 1-0 home loss to Southampton, and some Stamford Bridge supporters heckled the team at the end of the game.
Chilwell, who came out following the game to thank the fans who remained till the final whistle with fellow England international Mason Mount, believes the team is to blame.
After being sunk by a first-half James Ward-Prowse free-kick, the left-back said: “It is easy to say but we really do have to work hard and turn this around. The only people that can do that is ourselves.
“It is never nice for a very competitive group that wants to win stuff. Some of us a few years ago tasted winning a major trophy [the Champions League] and to be in this situation now does not feel good at all.
“It is understandable the fans are not happy. They expect Chelsea to win matches, which we also expect.
“I can stand here and say we created chances but it doesn’t really mean anything. We need to win these games.
“We need to work hard. It is a pretty flat dressing room at the moment.
“It is hard to get into it, in terms of what we did right and wrong, but we have time now until our next game to work hard.”
To compound matters for Potter’s struggling side, who currently sit 10th in the Premier League, skipper Cesar Azpilicueta was rushed to hospital after being kicked in the head by Saints sub Sekou Mara.
The Spaniard received lengthy treatment on the pitch but was able to clap the home support as he was given a standing ovation while being carried off on a stretcher.
And Chilwell, 26, was delighted to learn his team-mate was in good spirits after the worrying incident.
Hi everyone! Thank you all for your love and messages of support! My family and I would like to thank everyone who has been looking after me since yesterday’s incident… pic.twitter.com/suBCdIQbj6
He added: “I was one of the closest players to it and I saw it in real time, it definitely was not a nice situation.
“Thankfully us as players, and then the staff that came on, acted very quickly and tried to give him the best help we could.
“We found out he went off to hospital to do the necessary procedures in this situation.
“He is also in contact with his wife and is stable, which is a positive to take. We are all thinking of him and it is one of those things bigger than football. We are all here for him.”
Having picked up just two victories in their last 14 games in all competitions, Chelsea visit London rivals Tottenham on Sunday in what is fast becoming a must-win game.
Graham Potter was under even more pressure after Saturday’s shocking 1-0 home loss to Southampton, and some Stamford Bridge supporters heckled the team at the end of the game.
Chilwell, who came out following the game to thank the fans who remained until the final whistle with fellow England international Mason Mount, believes the team is to blame.
The left-back said, “It is easy to say, but we really do have to work hard and turn this around.” James Ward-Prowse’s free kick did us in. We are the only ones who are capable of doing that.
“It is never nice for a very competitive group that wants to win stuff. Some of us a few years ago tasted winning a major trophy [the Champions League] and to be in this situation now does not feel good at all.
“It is understandable the fans are not happy. They expect Chelsea to win matches, which we also expect.
“I can stand here and say we created chances but it doesn’t really mean anything. We need to win these games.
“We need to work hard. It is a pretty flat dressing room at the moment.
“It is hard to get into it, in terms of what we did right and wrong, but we have time now until our next game to work hard.”
To compound matters for Potter’s struggling side, who currently sit 10th in the Premier League, skipper Cesar Azpilicueta was rushed to hospital after being kicked in the head by Saints sub Sekou Mara.
The Spaniard received lengthy treatment on the pitch but was able to clap the home support as he was given a standing ovation while being carried off on a stretcher.
And Chilwell, 26, was delighted to learn his team-mate was in good spirits after the worrying incident.
He added: “I was one of the closest players to it and I saw it in real time, it definitely was not a nice situation.
“Thankfully us as players, and then the staff that came on, acted very quickly and tried to give him the best help we could.
“We found out he went off to hospital to do the necessary procedures in this situation.
“He is also in contact with his wife and is stable, which is a positive to take. We are all thinking of him and it is one of those things bigger than football. We are all here for him.”
Hi everyone! Thank you all for your love and messages of support! My family and I would like to thank everyone who has been looking after me since yesterday’s incident… pic.twitter.com/suBCdIQbj6
In an effort to turn around Chelsea’s poor form, Graham Potter met with four of his most seasoned players on Tuesday for crisis talks.
The Blues have only secured five points in their past seven Premier League games when they go to London rival Fulham today.
To make matters worse, Potter’s goal-shy team, who have only scored 20 goals in the top flight so far this season, are three points behind the seventh-placed Cottagers.
But as the pressure mounted, the former Brighton manager consulted club captain Cezar Azpilicueta, Thiago Silva, Jorginho, and Mateo Kovacic as he planned the next course of action to bring the squad back on track.
Potter, 47, said: “I spoke at length on Tuesday with Thiago, with Azpi, with Jorgi, with Kova, a really good conversation.
Jorginho was one of the players Graham Potter sat down to talk with earlier this week
“They showed their qualities as people again. They’re honest. They articulate their concerns well, they articulate their positivity, they articulate their responsibility.
“That’s why I think we are in a place where we can move forward.”
Potter, who was boosted yesterday by the arrival of Atletico Madrid and Portugal star Joao Felix on loan, added: “It is an experienced team.
“The players are honest, they want to take their responsibilities. They want to improve, they want to win. There’s a lot there we are fortunate with.
Thiago Silva is one of the experienced heads Graham Potter is relying on
“At the same time, we are in a tough moment and these are challenges that affect the players as well. They are human beings.
“I know they’re paid to do their job but they’re not robots. They’re still affected by results and the transition phase at the club, but I’ve been really impressed.”
Tonight’s clash with Fulham is followed by another crunch London derby on Sunday, with Crystal Palace the visitors to Stamford Bridge.
Graham Potter will succeed at Chelsea once the former Brighton and Hove Albion manager has access to his finest players, according to Harry Redknapp.
Chelsea has dropped six of their last eight games, and Potter is having a tough time at Stamford Bridge.
During that bad run, the Blues have only managed one victory, a 2-0 home victory over Premier League underdog Bournemouth on December 27.
The FA Cup loss to Manchester City on Sunday illustrated the gap between 10th-placed Chelsea and clubs competing for the championship, but Redknapp maintains that Potter, who took over for Thomas Tuchel in September, just needs some time to adjust.
Chelsea’s injury list is a long one, with Reece James, Ben Chilwell, Wesley Fofana, Christian Pulisic, N’Golo Kante, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Edouard Mendy the first-team regulars out of action.
“You can’t sack the lad can you, he’s not been there 10 minutes – he’s got a million injuries you know, you’ve got injuries galore, both his full-backs, Chilwell, James, important players, Fofana came in unfit, they’ve got lots of injuries,” Redknapp told Stats Perform.
“They have still got a very, very strong squad. They’ve spent money like it’s going out of fashion but he needs time. He’s only as good as your players at the moment – it’s not rocket science. People seem to think you go in and show them how to play football. It doesn’t work like that.
“At the moment, he’s got his best players missing and they’re struggling to win. When they get back in the team, you’ll see a massive improvement.”
Chelsea have been active in the January transfer window, signing four players already, while they are also eager to land Benfica’s World Cup star Enzo Fernandez.
While that transfer appears to be on ice for now, the Blues confirmed the loan signing of Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.
Redknapp does not think more signings are necessarily a silver bullet, however.
He said: “They’ve got enough players, they just need those back from injury – they need James back, they need Chilwell back. There’s no reason they can’t go on a run.”
Potter has won eight of his 18 games in charge at Chelsea (44.4 per cent), and Redknapp says it would be foolish for the club to show him the door.
“Five years – you just gave him a five-year contract, you can’t very well bring him in, give him a five-year contract and then sack him, surely to God,” Redknapp said.
“I know they’ve done it before, Chelsea, that is the way they’ve worked. Managers who’ve won the Champions League and then they’ve been sacked a couple of games later, it happens. But I don’t see that happening this time.”
Graham Potter is optimistic Todd Boehly will not prove as trigger-happy as Roman Abramovich while Chelsea fight to save their season.
The Blues have lost their last eight Premier League games and are now 10 points behind fourth-placed Manchester United after their poor run of results.
As Manchester City has already eliminated them from the EFL Cup, defeated them in the league, and might do so once again on Sunday at the Etihad Stadium in the FA Cup third round, their chances of qualifying for the Champions League are dwindling.
However, getting out of their current rut is crucial, particularly for Potter’s future as head coach. Chelsea still has a Champions League last-16 match against Borussia Dortmund to look forward to.
In a decision that had overtones of the ruthlessness of the Abramovich era, owner Boehly fired Champions League-winning manager Thomas Tuchel in September, forcing him out of Brighton & Hove Albion.
However, Chelsea has been active in the transfer market, a hint that they are willing to make significant investments to produce results, with Potter being in charge of securing the victories.
He expresses amazement at the level of attention being paid to him and claims that this is “maybe different for me for some reason,” pointing out that Pep Guardiola, Mikel Arteta, and Jurgen Klopp all needed time to assemble their squads at City, Arsenal, and Liverpool, respectively.
Comparing Chelsea now to the 19-year period when Abramovich called the shots, Potter said: “There’s a completely different ownership than there was.
“This is hard for people to also get their head around because Chelsea for 20 years has been one thing, and now all of a sudden, it’s different.
“But they still think back to what previously happened for 20 years. The reason for me to take the job was because you’ve got a chance to shape a club that’s in a massive transitional period.”
Potter said Chelsea have offered “fantastic” support and quipped that billionaire Boehly was “smarter than me, that’s for sure”.
“They understand the challenges that we have, and the direction we want to go in. I’ve been here four months, and five, six weeks of that have been lost to international football,” he added.
“I think Pep was there a year before they won anything. And then obviously Mikel and Jurgen took a bit of time. But obviously it’s maybe different for me for some reason.”
Potter explained he shows anger at times and stressed he was not “some robot”, while jokingly describing some reporters’ questions as “stupid”.
Addressing those reporters, Potter added: “There’ll always be people that doubt. There will be people in here that will doubt, that’s for sure. But I’m certainly not here to convince anybody. I’m here to do my work. And then if that convinces, then that’s fine.
“I’m more confident now that we can achieve things than I was when I started the job because I understand the club and understand the players and understand what’s needed. But obviously, with the past of Chelsea and the change of management, you can see why the questions are there.”
Asked whether he recognised he was under pressure, Potter said: “I don’t know, I don’t read the newspapers, I stay away from social media.”
He knows there is flak flying around though, and that some will never see the nuance.
“We’ve had a massive transition,” Potter said. “Problems in terms of injuries don’t make it easy to be stable. But it’s sort of blah, blah, blah. You know people want to see results, and [they would say] ‘Shut up Graham, what are you talking about, we need to win’.”
In recognition of Trevoh Chalobah’s impressive form under Graham Potter, Chelsea have extended his contract until 2028.
Since Potter took over from Thomas Tuchel in September, the 23-year-old has played in 12 of the former Brighton and Hove Albion manager’s 14 games as manager.
With a club option to extend to 2029, Chalobah is now committed to the Blues until at least June 2028.
The defender, who has been with Chelsea since the age of nine, said: “I’m over the moon to sign this contract. It’s been an honour every time I put the shirt on. I want to give my all and do anything for this club.
“As everyone knows I’ve been here from a young age and to continue here is every kid’s dream. whenever I get the chance, I’ll give my all for the club and look for the future ahead.”
Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly and co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali added: “We’re delighted that Trevoh will be extending his stay with Chelsea.
“He has been with us since childhood and has grown into an exceptional young player.
“He’s an important part of our men’s first team squad and we’re excited to see what’s next for Trevoh at Chelsea.”
Chelseahave reunited Graham Potter with his former Brighton and Hove Albion head of recruitment in a move designed to guide the club’s future transfer dealings.
Paul Winstanley worked closely with head coach Potter at Brighton and becomes Chelsea’s director of global talent and transfers.
He spent eight years at Brighton, having joined from Derby County, and played a prominent role in assembling the talent that has propelled the Seagulls into the Premier League and kept them among the elite.
Potter left for Chelsea in September, and Winstanley arrives at a point where results have taken a nosedive, with Chelsea losing their last three Premier League matches.
There could be scope for transfer movement in January, but this appointment has been made with a long-term view.
Winstanley said on Chelsea’s website: “I’m thrilled to be joining Chelsea and to continue working with Graham Potter and his team.
“There is a real sense of excitement and momentum around the new ownership and this project. I’m looking forward to working with such an outstanding group of colleagues as the club moves into a new era.”
Chairman Todd Boehly and co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali said: “Paul is going to be a great addition to Chelsea.
“He’s highly respected and is a key senior addition as we continue to build a world-class sporting team with a huge depth of talent, ambition and commitment who will work closely with us to drive Chelsea forward.
“Paul shares our philosophy and will fit seamlessly into the organisation.”
Potter’s Chelsea side sit eight points adrift of the Premier League’s top four going into the World Cup break, albeit with a game in hand over fourth-placed Tottenham. They are level on 21 points with Brighton.
Chelsea boss Graham Potter admits every player with World Cup aspirations is in “a tricky position” as domestic football continues just days before teams fly to Qatar.
The Blues are waiting on news of Ben Chilwell’s hamstring injury, as he headed for a scan on Friday amid fears the muscle is torn, which would rule him out of England’s plans.
Potter understands players have concerns about suffering injuries at such an unfortunate moment, but will demand his squad hold nothing back in Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Arsenal.
Chelsea striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyangis poised to face his former club, and unlike many of his team-mates does not need to worry about the World Cup, which starts on November 20, having retired from international football within months of Gabon failing to qualify.
Asked about possible fear of World Cup hopefuls getting hurt, Potter said in a press conference: “I don’t think it’s fear. I just think it’s part of the challenge.
“It’s very difficult to play Premier League football or Champions League football and go at it half-hearted. That’s pretty much impossible. At the same time, there’s a World Cup a couple of weeks away, so it’s a tricky position for everybody.”
Chelsea needed to wait for swelling to reduce before sending left-back Chilwell to be assessed, and Potter did not sound positive about the defender’s England prospects.
“We all saw the nature of the injury,” Potter said. “I can’t say it looks positive, but until we get the scan it’s difficult to say. At the moment we’re just hopeful and fingers crossed, and from there we see how to get him back fit and strong. It’s disappointing, of course.”
Aubameyang’s exit from Arsenal in February, when he moved to Barcelona, came after an apparent falling-out with head coach Mikel Arteta, as the former Gunners captain lost his first-team place.
After a short stint at Barcelona, Chelsea jumped at the chance to bring Aubameyang back to England, and Potter concurred it would be “an interesting one” for the 33-year-old this weekend.
“I don’t think we should make it about him,” he added. “I think it’s about the team. He’s an important part of the team and for us to get the result we want takes everybody, not just one person.
“I understand the interest is about him because it’s Arsenal and there’s a narrative about that. But as a team and a group we have to do well ourselves.”
As for whether Aubameyang has anything to prove to Arsenal, for whom he scored 92 goals across all competitions, Potter suggested not.
“I don’t think so. I think he’s looking forward to the game, excited for it,” Potter said. “He’s been pretty normal from what I’ve seen, he’s quite a quiet guy, but I’m sure come matchday he’ll be determined.”
Potter praised Arsenal’s support for Arteta, who came under pressure in the early stages of his tenure, describing the backing the Spaniard has received as “a really good example of how success can come”.
Former Brighton and Hove Albion boss Potter is still learning the ropes at Chelsea, but he had success against Arsenal during his time with the Seagulls, winning three of his six Premier League games against the Gunners (D1 L2).
Chelsea will hope that boosts their prospects, given they have lost three of their last four league games against Arsenal, more defeats than they had experienced in their previous 17 in the rivalry.
Moreover, Arsenal have won on their last two league visits to Stamford Bridge, as many victories as they achieved in their previous 16 visits.
League leaders Arsenal have not won three in a row at Stamford Bridge since April 1974, but that could change on Sunday.
Chelsea manager Graham Potter praised his side for qualifying for the Champions League last-16 with a game to spare having lost their opener to Dinamo Zagreb.
The Blues booked their ticket for the knockout stages with a 2-1 away win over Salzburg, after impressive strikes from Mateo Kovacic and Kai Havertz in each half, either side of Junior Adamu’s goal.
Chelsea had lost their opening game of the group stage, 1-0 at Dinamo Zagreb, leading to Thomas Tuchel’s dismissal, but under Potter have bounced back with 10 points from four games, including strong away wins at Milan and Salzburg, securing top spot in Group E.
“Very [satisfied]. It’s not easy to win here as you can see from the record they have and the quality of the team,” Potter told reporters.
“We had to play well and I thought we did. We created some good chances in the first half and were unlucky not to go more than 1-0 up.
“Then one action, with the quality at this level, and it’s 1-1. I thought our response was really good then, so I am delighted to go through, delighted with the performance of the players. I thought they were fantastic tonight.
“To go through with a game to spare is brilliant considering where we started the competition.”
Havertz’s 64th-minute winner was a spectacular left-foot strike that cannoned in off the crossbar.
The goal was the German’s first this season in the Champions League, and third in all competitions. It was also Havertz’s first goal away from Stamford Bridge for the Blues since April.
“His quality is there; he’s an incredibly talented player,” Potter said. “He’s been nearly there and obviously, scoring a goal like that is bound to help.
“I wouldn’t be able to score a goal like that to be fair, I can only imagine. It’s a fantastic strike and an indication of the quality he has, so I’m really pleased for him.”
Potter brushed off concerns about his side’s wastefulness in front of goal, having had 15 shots, including 11 on target, while he hinted they may rotate their squad for their final group game against Dinamo having already qualified.
The Blues take on Potter’s former club Brighton on Saturday, followed by Dinamo (November 2), Arsenal in the Premier League (November 6) and Manchester City in the Carabao Cup (November 9) in quick succession.
“We’re at home at Stamford Bridge [against Dinamo] and we’ll try our very best,” he said. “We want to win every game we play, that is the mentality we have to have.
“But clearly, we have a game at the weekend and another game the weekend after, so maybe we can rotate a little bit. But we will try our best.”
Chelsea boss Graham Potter has rubbished reports that Denis Zakaria’s loan spell could be cut short in January.
Zakaria was signed by previous head coach Thomas Tuchel from Juventus on a season-long loan deal just before the transfer window closed at the start of September.
The midfielder is yet to make his debut for the London club and has only been a substitute on one occasion in the Premier League.
It has been reported that the Switzerland international could be on his way back to Juve when the next transfer window opens, but that is news to Potter.
He said: “There’s no decision been made at all on that. Denis has been in the group, he’s been training well.
“He’s ready to help the team, obviously there’s competition for places in that area, but there’s no talk of anything.
“He’s an important member of the team, he’s been patient and he’s trying to help the team from the side at the moment and waiting for his chance.”
Chelsea will make the short trip for a derby at Brentford on Wednesday in search of a sixth consecutive victory and looking for a fifth clean sheet in a row.
It has been a great start to head coach Potter’s tenure, with his side fourth in the Premier League and on course to qualify for the Champions League round of 16.
Mason Mount’s double secured a 2-0 win at Aston Villa on Sunday and Potter says he is bemused over why there appears to be mixed opinions on the England midfielder’s credentials.
He said: “It’s a joy [to work with Mount], he’s a fantastic person. He loves to play football, loves the club here. It’s surprising I get some questions like there’s some sort of mixed opinion on Mason, I find that strange.
“Especially from the outside and then when you start to work with him, you just think he’s got everything you need to be a top, top player. He’s got a great attitude, understands spaces, connects, can execute, assists, scores goals. He’s a top player.”
Potter revealed Chelsea have no new injuries to contend with ahead of their clash with the Bees, allaying concerns Thiago Silva could be sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers has warned Graham Potter he can expect a “different pressure” at Chelsea but believes it is a “fantastic move”.
Potter has been named as Thomas Tuchel’s successor at Stamford Bridge, following the axing of the Champions League-winning boss on Wednesday.
New Blues owner Todd Boehly has been extremely active since taking over from Roman Abramovich, splashing vast amounts of money in the transfer market, and has now made his first managerial appointment.
Chelsea received permission from Brighton to speak to Potter on Wednesday and confirmation of his appointment followed today.
Rodgers, who has experience in high-pressure clubs following his time with Liverpool, has told Potter he will encounter different challenges than his time at Brighton but feels it is the right move.
“It’s a different pressure,” Rodgers said in the press conference ahead of Saturday’s clash with Aston Villa.
“He’s done fantastic at Brighton, they’ve really developed. They’re strategically well run behind the scenes.
“It’s that next step and it will be a fantastic move for him.”
Chelsea Football Club is delighted to welcome Graham Potter as our new Head Coach! ðŸ¤
Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl echoed Rodgers’ sentiment, backing Potter to succeed after impressing with Brighton.
“I must congratulate them for a very good choice. For me, [Potter] is the manager in the last two years with the biggest impact in a club with all the limits they had,” he said.
“With all the transfers they gave away to other clubs and they’re still competing at the highest level. It shows how good this group is.
“I was speaking with Pascal Gross who plays there and we were speaking very often about the development of the club.
“I think [Potter] did a fantastic job with this group. He has all the experience I think to step into a bigger club and show there that he can perform at the highest level.
“It’s a clear signal that there are good English managers out there that can work at the highest level. He wasn’t always working in England either, he also went to foreign countries to get experience.
“He was not too much full of ego and only staying here, he was looking for other options to learn and to develop his knowledge. This is a very good way of doing it and way of developing your knowledge in football.”
Chelsea were to unveil their new head coach Graham Potter, but this has been postponed owing to the demise of Queen Elizabeth II.
Potter was to face the media for the first time at 1.30pm BST at Chelsea’s Cobham training ground.
That was announced before the Queen’s death on Thursday and Chelsea moved to cancel the planned session on Friday morning.
The decision was taken amid uncertainty over whether the weekend’s English football programme would go ahead as planned. It was announced at 11.30am BST that Premier League games would be postponed.
Chelsea Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. We join those mourning in the UK and across the world.
We would like to send our condolences to the Royal Family and everyone affected by this very sad news. pic.twitter.com/FUysCESRt4
Potter left Brighton to take over at Chelsea following the sacking of Thomas Tuchel.
German boss Tuchel was surprisingly dismissed on Wednesday, just a day on from a 1-0 defeat at Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League.
That result followed an indifferent start to the Premier League season, during which Chelsea have taken 10 points from a possible 18 after a bold spending spree under new owner Todd Boehly.
Boehly said of Potter’s appointment: “We are thrilled to bring Graham to Chelsea. He is a proven coach and an innovator in the Premier League who fits our vision for the club.”
Graham Potter will replace Thomas Tuchelas the new manager of Chelsea.
Chelsea announced his appointment on Thursday, September 8, 2022.
Potter has left Brighton to take up the new role. Chelsea and Potter have signed a five-year deal.
According to the 47-year-old, he is “incredibly proud and excited to represent Chelsea”.
Potter’s first game in charge will be an away derby with fellow west London club Fulham on Saturday at 12:30 BST.
His assistant Billy Reid, first-team coaches Bjorn Hamberg and Bruno, goalkeeping coach Ben Roberts and assistant head of recruitment Kyle Macaulay will join him at the Chelsea, who have paid Brighton in excess of £21m in compensation.
“We are thrilled to bring Graham to Chelsea,” said the Stamford Bridge club’s chairman Todd Boehly.
“He is a proven coach and an innovator in the Premier League who fits our vision for the club.
“Not only is he extremely talented on the pitch, he has skills and capabilities that extend beyond the pitch which will make Chelsea a more successful club.
“He has had a major impact at his previous clubs and we look forward to his positive impact at Chelsea.
“We look forward to supporting him, his coaching team and the squad in realising their full potential in the coming months and years.”
Chelsea Football Club is delighted to welcome Graham Potter as our new Head Coach! ðŸ¤
Former Ostersunds FK and Swansea City manager Potter led Brighton to a ninth-place finish last season, the club’s highest ever top-flight finish.
He has guided them to fourth in the table this season after winning four, drawing one and losing one of their six Premier League games.
Chelsea decided to sack Tuchel, who won three trophies in 20 months at Stamford Bridge, with the Blues sixth in the top flight following a summer in which they spent £255.3m in the summer transfer window.
“I am very excited to partner with Chelsea’s new ownership group and look forward to meeting and working with the exciting group of players and to develop a team and culture that our amazing fans can be proud of,” said Potter.
He also offered a “sincere thanks” to Brighton, including chairman Tony Bloom, for their support during his spell of just more than three-years at the club.
Brighton Under-21 coach Andrew Crofts has taken over as Brighton’s interim head coach, while attacking midfielder Adam Lallana will be part of his coaching set up.
“I am very disappointed that Graham will be leaving us,” said Bloom.
“He has done exceptionally well over the past three-and-a-bit seasons, he is an exceptional head coach and an exceptional person. He will be hugely missed at our football club.
“He leaves an excellent legacy for his successor with the club in its highest ever position, and on the back of leading us to our highest finish in the club’s history last season.
“I would like to thank Graham, Billy, Bjorn, Bruno, Ben and Kyle for their work here, and wish them all the very best for the future.
“While our attention is now on appointing Graham’s successor as head coach our immediate focus, of course, is on Saturday’s game at Bournemouth and supporting Andrew Crofts as interim head coach.”
Brighton under Potter in the Premier League
Games
Wins
Draws
Defeats
Goals for
Goals against
Win %
Points per game
Position
2019-20
38
9
14
15
39
54
24%
1.08
15
2020-21
38
9
14
15
40
46
24%
1.08
16
2021-22
38
12
15
11
42
44
32%
1.34
9
2022-23
6
4
1
1
11
5
67%
2.17
4
A former full-back in the Football League with Stoke, West Brom and York, Potter began his managerial career with Ostersunds FK in 2010, guiding them from the fourth tier of Swedish football to the first, winning the 2017 Swedish Cup and reaching the knockout stages of the Europa League.
He then took charge of Swansea City in June 2018, spending one season with the Championship side before joining Brighton in May 2019 following Chris Hughton’s dismissal.
Potter went on to guide the club to 15th, 16th as well as the ninth-place finish in his three full seasons in charge.
It is reported that Chelsea are set to hold talks with Brighton boss Graham Potter to take charge of the club.
The Blues sacked their manager Thomas Tuchel today and are in search of a replacement.
Ex-Swansea and Ostersunds FK coach Potter, 47, has been given permission by the Seagulls to talk with Chelsea.
Tuchel was dismissed after losing the confidence of Chelsea’s players and the new ownership, who took over at the club in May.
He has won three trophies in 20 months at Stamford Bridge.
Potter, who has been tipped as a future England boss, has led Brighton to fourth in the table this season after winning four and drawing one of their six Premier League games.
He was appointed in May 2019 and has led the club to 15th, 16th and ninth-place finishes in his three seasons in charge.
But his brand of attacking and tactically flexible football has brought him many admirers in the game.
Brighton under Potter in the Premier League
Games
Wins
Draws
Defeats
Goals for
Goals against
Win %
Points per game
Position
2019-20
38
9
14
15
39
54
24%
1.08
15
2020-21
38
9
14
15
40
46
24%
1.08
16
2021-22
38
12
15
11
42
44
32%
1.34
9
2022-23
6
4
1
1
11
5
67%
2.17
4
Chelsea’s new ownership oversaw a £255.3m spending spree in the summer window, bringing in eight new players.
They were sixth in the Premier League after three wins, one draw and two defeats when they parted company with Tuchel.
The decision to sack the German would have been taken regardless of their 1-0 defeat in their opening Champions League game at Dinamo Zagreb on Tuesday, BBC Sport understands.
Chelsea plan to make a swift appointment and Potter was among the bookmakers’ favourites to take over, along with former Spurs and Paris St-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino, former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane and current Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers.
In terms of their search for Tuchel’s replacement, the Blues are also believed to be looking for a long-term manager who shares their vision for a collaborative culture and who will focus on development of all players in the squad.
Top 10 Premier League form table since since 2 April
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