Potter takes ‘close allies’ to Chelsea from Brighton to aid start

Chelsea fans react to Thomas Tuchel sacking

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Graham Potter has decided to take three of his backroom staff with him at Chelsea as he looks to kickstart his new project at Stamford Bridge. The ex-Brighton manager has penned a five-year deal with the Blues following the departure of Thomas Tuchel.

It was revealed on Wednesday that the Blues had parted ways with the German boss following their shaky start to the season, with a midweek loss to Dinamo Zagreb truly putting the pressure on the manager. However, it appears Tuchel’s sacking has been on the cards for weeks given reports of tensions rising between him and owner Todd Boehly.

Tuchel was keen for a hands-off approach to transfers, and it soon became clear to the higher powers of Chelsea that the former Borussia Dortmund boss was not the manager to spearhead their new venture. Instead, he has been replaced by Potter, who has impressed over the past few years at Brighton.

Though it is not just the former Swansea boss heading to London. He has taken recruitment expert Kyle Macaulay, assistant Billy Reid and coach Bjorn Hamburg with him. The trio are ‘close allies’ with Potter, according to Rob Dorsett, and he has worked with them at his previous jobs.

And Potter has recruited other core members of staff from his time with the Seagulls, with goalkeeper coach Ben Roberts and coach Bruno Saltor also heading to Chelsea. The 47-year-old has been keen throughout his career to build a strong squad of trusted members of staff through the years, with Macauley coming with him from Ostersunds.

Speaking after his appointment, 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.”

Potter has been appointed with long-term plans in mind, with his time at Brighton showcasing that he is able to implement a unique style on a squad when given time and patience. It is believed that Boehly has given the new manager those assurances, which were fundamental in persuading him to leave Brighton following their successful start to the season.

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