Chelsea Confirm Graham Potter As New Manager After Sacking Thomas Tuchel

Chelsea Football Club has confirmed that Graham Potter will become their new manager to succeed Thomas Tuchel who was sacked on Wednesday.

Graham Potter Announced As Chelsea’s New Coach

KanyiDaily recalls that Tuchel was sacked on Wednesday, September 7, after the shocking 1-0 defeat suffered by the blues against  Dinamo Zagreb in Tuesday’s Champions League opening match.

In a statement issued by the club on Thursday, Potter was announced as the new manager on a five-year contract worth more than £50m as the club’s owners put their faith in him with fresh ideas to succeed Tuchel.

It was gathered that Chelsea paid £16m compensation to release Potter, who was former Brighton manager. He arrived at Chelsea’s training ground on Thursday afternoon to sign his contract after a smooth series of negotiations.

On making the move to Stamford Bridge, Potter said: ‘I am incredibly proud and excited to represent Chelsea FC, this fantastic football club.

“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.

“I would also like to place my sincere thanks to Brighton & Hove Albion for allowing me this opportunity and in particular Tony Bloom and all the players, staff and supporters for their continued support during my time at the club.’

Chelsea co-owners, Todd Boehly, and Behdad Eghbali addressed the squad on Wednesday afternoon and, separately, held talks with a group of senior players. They promised to support them as they transition to life under Potter.

Boehly said: “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.

“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.”

Potter, 47, takes over the Chelsea team five points off the top of the Premier League and three points off the fourth spot. He will take charge of training on Friday.

The Chelsea new coach has previously managed Swansea as well as Östersund and Brighton. He lifted the Swedish club into the top flight and led them into the Europa League. He achieved his and Brighton’s highest top-flight finish last season: ninth.

KanyiDaily recalls that Chelsea legend, Frank Lampard had lost his job at Stamford Bridge after just 18 months as head coach, and was replaced by Thomas Tuchel.