Graham Potter says he’s ‘incredibly proud’ to take over at Chelsea after being handed a five-year deal to replace Thomas Tuchel… as the former Brighton boss admits he’s relishing working with his ‘exciting’ new squad
Graham Potter spoke of his incredible pride after being confirmed as Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea successor.
Potter was handed a five-year deal, underlining that Chelsea’s new owners are planning for the long term with the 47-year-old.
They labelled Potter an ‘innovator’ and he is due to take charge for the first time at Fulham on Saturday — should Premier League games go ahead following the death of the Queen.
Graham Potter has been handed a five-year deal as the new manager at Stamford Bridge
Potter was appointed following Thomas Tuchel’s shock sacking from Chelsea on Wednesday
Chelsea moved swiftly to land Potter from Brighton after calling time on Tuchel’s reign on Wednesday morning.
He quickly emerged as the club’s clear first choice, with former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino and Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim among the other managers considered.
The speed at which the process moved convinced some at Brighton that Potter had been in Chelsea’s sights for some time.
Potter impressed in talks with co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali on Wednesday, having been given permission to talk to Chelsea earlier in the day after they agreed to pay his £15million release clause.
Negotiations were finalised on Thursday to make Potter the first managerial appointment of Chelsea’s Boehly-Clearlake Capital era.
Potter impressed in discussions with Chelsea owner Todd Boehly prior to being offered the job
After saying his training ground farewells yesterday morning to Brighton’s players and staff, who were left saddened by his departure after just over three years at the Amex, Potter arrived at Chelsea’s Cobham HQ in the afternoon before his appointment was announced.
Potter said: ‘I am incredibly proud and excited to represent Chelsea, this fantastic 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 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.’
Potter has brought with him from Brighton assistant Billy Reid, coaches Bjorn Hamberg, Bruno and goalkeeper coach Ben Roberts plus the Seagulls’ assistant head of recruitment Kyle Macaulay.
Brighton’s new coaching staff will include experienced midfielder Adam Lallana who will support interim head coach Andrew Crofts.
England international Adam Lallana will join the interim coaching staff at Brighton
Crofts will temporarily step up from his Under 21 role and he will be helped by assistant Shannon Ruth, set-play coach Nick Stanley and assistant goalkeeping coach Jack Stern.
Boehly said of former Ostersunds and Swansea boss Potter: ‘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.
‘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.’