Chelsea, a day after sacking Thomas Tuchel, have appointed former Brighton and Hove Albion manager Graham Potter as their new head coach. The Englishman joins the club on a five-year contract with his backroom staff.
The Blues paid Potter’s release clause in full to Brighton – and an additional sum for his backroom staff – to be allowed to hire the Englishman as their new boss on a five-year contract.
Speaking to the Blues’ website for the first time, Potter expressed his delight, looked forward to working with the new ownership group, and thanked his bosses at Brighton.
“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,”
the 47-year-old said.
Potter will take some members of his backroom staff with him to West London. Along with his right-hand man Billy Reid, the Englishman will also bring first-team coaches Bjorn Hamberg and Bruno, goalkeeping coach Ben Roberts, and assistant head of recruitment Kyle Macaulay.
While Chelsea’s has dwindled since the start of the season, Brighton have soared high under the stewardship of Potter. The Seagulls are currently fourth in the Premier League, two points behind leaders Arsenal and three ahead of the Blues.
Potter will begin his Chelsea career with a West London derby. The tactician will face fellow Premier League Manager of the Month nominee for August Marco Silva and his newly-promoted Fulham side at the Craven Cottage.
