Graham Potter’s first words as Chelsea boss with message for Todd Boehly and fans | Football | Sport

Graham Potter has spoken for the first time since being confirmed as the new Chelsea manager, with a message for both Todd Boehly and the club’s supporters. Chelsea made the shock decision following their disappointing defeat to Dinamo Zagreb to sack Thomas Tuchel after 18 months at the helm.

The German won the Champions League after just five months in charge having also reached the FA Cup final. Tuchel was then heavily backed this past summer in the transfer window with around £270million spent on new signings following Boehly’s takeover of the club.

But Chelsea were left looking for a new manager just days after the transfer window closed after Tuchel was unceremoniously dismissed. Potter was immediately seen as the No 1 target and Brighton allowed Chelsea to speak with their manager.

Discussions went quickly and the 47-year-old has now penned a five-year deal as the club’s new head coach. He paid tribute to Brighton in his first words as Chelsea manager, while also stating that he’s looking forward to working with Boehly and entertaining the Blues supporters with his brand of football.

Potter joins Chelsea after three years in charge of Brighton, helping establish the south-coast club as a competitive Premier League side. He helped lead the club to their highest top-flight finish in Brighton’s history when they clinched ninth in the table.

Brighton and Chelsea were also involved in transfer talks this past summer with Marc Cucurella making the move from Stamford Bridge to the Amex while Billy Gilmour and Levi Colwill headed in the opposite direction.

The Seagulls had also made a strong start to the new season with 13 points picked up through six games, putting them above Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool. He will be set to return to his former club at the end of next month when Chelsea visit Brighton on October 29.