Chelsea appoint Graham Potter as new manager

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Chelsea appoint Graham Potter as new manager

Chelsea have confirmed the appointment of Graham Potter as their new manager.

The Blues have moved swiftly to appoint a successor to Thomas Tuchel, who surprisingly parted ways with the club on Wednesday morning.

And Chelsea have now announced the appointment of Potter on a five-year contract after agreeing a fee with Brighton to release him from his contract at the Amex Stadium.

"I am incredibly proud and excited to represent Chelsea FC, this fantastic football club," Potter said. "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."

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. We look forward to supporting him, his coaching team and the squad in realising their full potential in the coming months and years."

90min first reported early on Thursday that Potter had agreed to take the job at Stamford Bridge following productive talks the day prior.

New Chelsea co-owner Boehly led the search for a new manager and quickly identified Potter as his top target.

The 47-year-old arrived at Brighton in 2019 following impressive stints at Ostersunds and Swansea City. Though it took a while for results to notably improve, he led the Seagulls to a ninth-placed finish last season - their highest in the club's history.

Potter is set to take charge of his first Chelsea match this weekend in their short trip to west London rivals Fulham on Saturday.

Chelsea currently sit sixth in the Premier League table - ironically three points and two places behind Brighton - and have won just three of seven games in all competitions so far this season.