Graham Potter’s transfer to Chelsea has been officially confirmed by both the Blues and Brighton, and the deal is reportedly for five years. After suffering an unexpected loss to Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League, Chelsea fired head coach Thomas Tuchel, which led to the club making the signing.
After signing with Brighton in May 2019, the 47-year-old player will no longer represent the club. The Englishman has been at Brighton for three seasons and has led the team to Premier League survival in each of those seasons. He has also led Brighton to a strong start to this season, with 13 points out of a possible 18.
In addition, Potter has previous coaching experience with the Swedish team Ostersunds, whom he led to the knockout stages of the Europa League with 11 points from a total of six matches. The only time the Swedish club was defeated during the group stage was by Athletic Bilbao, who they played at home and against whom they had a historic 2-2 tie and against whom they also suffered a 1-0 loss. After that, he played for Swansea for a brief period of time before transferring to Brighton.
Potter’s choice left Chairman Tony Bloom speechless, and he was unable to disguise his dismay. “I am very disappointed that Graham will be leaving us. He has done exceptionally well over the previous three-and-a-bit seasons, he is an amazing head coach and an exceptional guy,” he said on Brighton’s official website. “He will be immensely missed at our football club.”
I would like to thank Graham, Billy, Bjorn, Bruno, Ben, and Kyle for their work here, and I wish them all the very best for the future; he concluded. “He leaves an excellent legacy for his successor with the club in its highest ever position,” he said, “with the club in its highest ever position, and on the back of leading us to our highest finish in the history of the club last season.”
In addition, Potter has made the decision to bring his backroom personnel with him to West London, and Paul Barber, the deputy chairman, has expressed his gratitude to both Potter and his team. “I am really disheartened that we will be losing our coaching staff, especially at this time. However, like you, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Graham, Billy, Bjorn, Bruno, Ben, and Kyle for their services and to wish them well for the future. Working with each and every one of them has been a real treat.
Todd Boehly, the new owner of Chelsea, also offered his thoughts on the appointment and stated his delight at being able to secure Potter’s services. 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, but he also possesses skills and capabilities that extend beyond the pitch, which will make Chelsea a more successful club. “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.”
“He has had a significant impact at his previous Clubs, and we look forward to his positive impact here at Chelsea. We look forward to supporting him, his coaching team, and the squad in realizing their full potential in the coming months and years,” Boehly said. “We look forward to his positive impact here at Chelsea.”
The first game for Chelsea’s new manager will be on Saturday, when the team makes the short trip to Craven Cottage. In the meanwhile, Under 21 Andrew Crofts will manage Brighton’s match against Bournemouth as well as the team’s other games until a permanent successor can be found.
Chelsea Football Club is delighted to welcome Graham Potter as our new Head Coach! ????
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 8, 2022
