Chelsea sack Graham Potter less than seven months as coach

Less than seven months in charge, Chelsea have sacked manager Graham Potter.

His exit came following Saturday’s 2-0 home defeat by Aston Villa.

It was the Englishman’s 11th defeat in 31 games since replacing Thomas Tuchel at Stamford Bridge on September 8, 2022.

Chelsea have spent more than £550 million on new players and on 11th position in the Premier League table.

The Blues are in the bottom half of the Premier League after their latest loss – and 12 points off the top four.

A statement issued by the club on Sunday, April 2 read: “Chelsea FC has announced that Graham Potter has departed the club. Graham has agreed to collaborate with the Club to facilitate a smooth transition.

“In his time with the club, Graham has taken us to the quarter-final of the Champions League, where we will face Real Madrid.

“Chelsea would like to thank Graham for all his efforts and contribution and wish him well for the future.”

Chelsea stated that Bruno Saltor will take charge of the club as Interim Head Coach.

Speaking on the development, co-controlling owners, Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali, said: “On behalf of everyone at the club, we want to thank Graham sincerely for his contribution to Chelsea.

“We have the highest degree of respect for Graham as a coach and as a person. He has always conducted himself with professionalism and integrity and we are all disappointed in this outcome.

‘Along with our incredible fans, we will all be getting behind Bruno and the team as we focus on the rest of the season.

“We have 10 Premier League games remaining and a Champions League quarter-final ahead. We will put every effort and commitment into every one of those games so that we can end the season on a high.”

Chelsea host Liverpool in the Premier League on Tuesday and face Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on 12 April.

The Star

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