Chelsea appoint Graham Potter as head coach
FT Desk
- Updated: 8 Sept 2022 15:55 BST
- 3 min read
Chelsea have appointed Graham Potter as Thomas Tuchel's successor as head coach, the English tactician arriving from Brighton on a five-year deal.
The Blues acted quickly after sacking Tuchel, approaching Brighton and agreeing a compensation package in the region of £21 million for Potter and his staff.
Speaking on the club's website after being appointed, Potter said: ‘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.’
Owner Todd Boehly said: "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.’
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The Potter path
Potter was identified almost immediately as Todd Boehly's preference in the role, the 47-year-old's tactical nous and development of talent catching the eye at Brighton in recent seasons.
Potter led the Seagulls to a ninth-place finish last term and helped mould Marc Cucurella into a left-back Chelsea felt compelled to pay £62m/€71m for earlier this summer.
Chelsea Football Club is delighted to welcome Graham Potter as our new Head Coach! 🤝
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 8, 2022
Potter will take charge of his first match against the Blues' local rivals Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday.
He cut his coaching teeth in Sweden, leading Ostersunds to three consecutive promotions and then into the knock-out rounds of the Europa League in 2018.
After a single season at Swansea, he has led Brighton - hot favourites for relegation - to finished of 15th, 16th and ninth in the Premier League.
Tuchel won the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021 and the FIFA Club World Cup as recently as February but results so far this season were disappointing.
Cucurella was one of eight new arrivals at Stamford Bridge this summer, setting the club back a transfer window record €296 million, but the Blues had lost three of their last five games.
