LONDON - Chelsea have appointed Brighton & Hove Albion boss Graham Potter as their new manager to replace Thomas Tuchel, the Premier League club announced on Thursday.
Chelsea sacked Tuchel on Wednesday, a day after they suffered a shock 1-0 defeat away to Dinamo Zagreb in their opening match of the Champions League group stage.
Potter was quoted on Chelsea’s website as saying: “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.”
Blues chairman Todd Boehly added: “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.”
The London club finished third in the Premier League last season but are sixth with 10 points this term after six games, having lost at Leeds United and Southampton.
Tuchel joined Chelsea after the sacking of Frank Lampard and helped the club win the Champions League in his first season.
He also led them to the Uefa Super Cup and Fifa Club World Cup titles last season.
British media reported that Potter is expected to become the new Chelsea manager before their Premier League trip to Fulham on Saturday.
Potter has taken Brighton to fourth in the table so far this season with six wins, one defeat and a draw.
The 47-year-old was appointed by Brighton in May 2019 and has led the club to 15th, 16th and ninth-place finishes in his three seasons in charge.
He managed Swansea City in the Championship before joining Brighton. REUTERS, AFP
