Graham Potter has been unveiled as Chelsea’s new manager following the sacking of Thomas Tuchel on Wednesday. New owner Todd Boehly moved quickly to sack the German after Tuesday night’s Champions League defeat to Dinamo Zagreb, aiming to quickly put a new man in place ahead of the Premier League clash with Fulham at the weekend. Potter has now been confirmed as the man on a five-year contract, the Stamford Bridge club have confirmed. The compensation paid to Brighton is expected to be around £16m, with three members of staff also moving with Potter. Chelsea’s move has been all the more surprising at this stage of the season given Tuchel has played a major role in selecting transfer targets this summer, with the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang signed just a week ago and other big-money arrivals , such as Kalidou Koulibali, Wesley. Fofana and Raheem Sterling. Watch live updates and reactions to the search for Chelsea’s new manager below:
Chelsea’s new manager LIVE
Show latest update 1662651042
Brighton react to the departure of Graham Potter
Brighton have confirmed that five backroom staff are leaving along with Graham Potter. Assistant Billy Reid, first team coaches Bjorn Hamberg and Bruno, goalkeeping coach Ben Roberts and assistant head of recruitment Kyle Macaulay. It is not specifically stated that they will join Chelsea, although at least three of them were expected. Chairman Tony Bloom said: “I am very disappointed that Graham will be leaving us. He’s done great over the last three and a half seasons, he’s a great coach and a great person. He will be greatly missed at our football club. “He leaves a great legacy for his successor with the club at its highest ever, and on the back of leading us to the highest finish in the club’s history last season.” U21 manager Andrew Crofts will be in temporary charge for the upcoming Premier League game against Bournemouth, after which the Seagulls have a week off due to the postponement of their game against Palace. Karl Matchett September 8, 2022 4:30 p.m 1662650603
The latest Chelsea manager news
Potter is the incoming name, but as for the outgoing Thomas Tuchel it has been a rollercoaster era. Athletic say they thought they had verbally agreed a new contract with Chelsea but also had a feeling Tuchel was close to being sacked [in] pre-season for tensions with Behdad Eghbali”. Harmony in the dressing room had been lost, the report claims, and communication between Tuchel and the board dropped significantly after the Leeds defeat. Big shoes to fill Potter and fast. (AFP/Getty) Karl Matchett 8 September 2022 16:23 1662650123
Graham Potter ready for a challenge Chelsea couldn’t turn down
From the moment Graham Potter arrived to sit down with the Chelsea hierarchy, the talks were remarkably direct. Both sides had a clear vision of what they wanted. Chelsea have been thinking about Potter for weeks. They believe he is exactly the personality profile they want, as well as a promising manager. In the meantime, he has detailed what he can do with this team. The situation is moving so fast, in fact, that it’s fair to wonder if anyone involved has actually stopped to consider whether this is really the right time. Couldn’t Potter just wait and try and give Brighton the brilliant season it promises to be? Couldn’t Chelsea have waited until he was offered proof of such an achievement? Do the big six really have to go and grab something interesting that comes from the depths below them? Shouldn’t Potter be expecting something more certain and not such an unknown situation? The reality is that there is almost never a perfect moment or situation in football. One of Potter’s rivals for the job, Mauricio Pochettino, could tell him that. So is Brendan Rodgers. Six months ago, the Leicester City manager would have been the obvious candidate. There is now talk of whether Brighton might suit him, with Chelsea not even looking. This whole discussion, like everything now, is shaped by the economic context of the modern game. In this case it sharpens a truth that almost everyone can relate to. You often have to take these opportunities as they come. Miguel Delaney on Graham Potter:
Graham Potter ready for a challenge Chelsea couldn’t turn down
The question of whether a move from Brighton to Chelsea is right for Potter’s own career is a simple one to answer. What it says about the game as a whole is much more complex Karl Matchett 8 September 2022 16:15 1662649643
Graham Potter appointed Chelsea manager
Chelsea have confirmed that “Potter will immediately take charge of the team”, so yes, we will see him on board at Craven Cottage this weekend. His first team selection will of course be one of intrigue: N’Golo Kante is out, while Edouard Mendy was out in midweek with a somewhat dubious injury after a… collision with, say, Jarrod Bowen. Not even for Chelsea has a clean sheet since the start of the season. Karl Matchett 8 September 2022 16:07 1662649163
Graham Potter appointed Chelsea manager
Chelsea owners Behdad Eghbali and Jose Feliciano issued a joint statement after the appointment: “Graham is a football innovator and winner on the field and a leader off the field. He has deeply impressed us with his ideas and approach to football. We are excited to work with Graham to build a winning team, one that embodies a culture of collaboration, innovation, teamwork, player development and a commitment to excellence on and off the field. We are fortunate to have Graham and his team as our partners on this journey.” Karl Matchett 8 September 2022 15:59 1662648923
Graham Potter appointed Chelsea manager
Todd Boehly, chairman and co-owner of Chelsea, had this to say on his first appointment as manager: “We are delighted to bring Graham to Chelsea. He is a proven manager and an innovator in the Premier League who fits our vision for the club. Not only is he extremely talented on the pitch, but he has skills and abilities that extend beyond the pitch, which will make Chelsea a more successful Club. He has had a significant impact at his previous clubs and we look forward to his positive impact at Chelsea. We look forward to supporting him, his coaching staff and the squad to reach their full potential in the coming months and years.” Karl Matchett 8 September 2022 15:55 1662648743
Graham Potter appointed Chelsea manager
Graham Potter spoke after being appointed the new boss at Stamford Bridge: “I am incredibly proud and excited to represent Chelsea FC, this fantastic football club. I am very excited to be working with Chelsea’s new ownership group and look forward to meeting and working with the exciting group of players and developing a team and culture that our amazing fans can be proud of. I would also like to express my sincere thanks to Brighton & Hove Albion for giving me this opportunity and in particular to Tony Bloom and all the players, staff and supporters for their continued support during my time at the club.” Karl Matchett 8 September 2022 15:52 1662648529
Chelsea appoint Graham Potter as manager after sacking Thomas Tuchel
Chelsea have appointed Graham Potter as their new manager. The Englishman has signed a five-year contract at Stamford Bridge and will take charge of his first game on Saturday lunchtime against Fulham. The Blues have met Potter’s £16million release clause as compensation to Brighton, who see their talented manager leave after three years. Potter took over at Brighton in 2019 and has since revolutionized their brand of football on the south coast, leading the Seagulls to ninth in the Premier League last season. More here about the Blue appointment:
Chelsea appoint Graham Potter as manager
New Chelsea manager: Graham Potter confirmed as manager after leaving Brighton to replace Thomas Tuchel at Blues Karl Matchett 8 September 2022 15:48 1662648449
CONFIRMATION: Chelsea appoint Graham Potter as manager after sacking Thomas Tuchel
Chelsea have confirmed that the deal has been completed – Thomas Tuchel’s replacement is Graham Potter. A five-year contract has been confirmed – more to come. Karl Matchett 8 September 2022 15:47 1662648323
The latest Chelsea manager news
Chelsea steadfastly ignore our desire to #announcePotter and instead relive Koulibaly’s goal-of-the-month-nominee against Tottenham. Since that good start, he has been sent off by Leeds, suspended by Leicester and failed to keep a clean sheet against Saints or West Ham. Karl Matchett 8 September 2022 15:45
