Chelsea have confirmed the appointment of Graham Potter as their new head coach, taking over from Thomas Tuchel on a five-year contact. Todd Boehly and the Blues' ownership swiftly made a move for the former Brighton boss after parting ways with Tuchel on Wednesday in the aftermath of Chelsea's defeat against Dinamo Zagreb.
Potter is set to take training for the first time on Friday ahead of the Blues' scheduled Premier League match against Fulham, having signed on the dotted line on Thursday. Anthony Barry had led training while the Blues looked to appoint a new boss.
Following the annoucnement, 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."
READ MORE: Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali first words as Chelsea announce Graham Potter as head coach
The 47-year-old has had an impressive career so far having started with Ostersunds and taking the Swedish side into the Europa League. A short spell with Swansea City followed, and having taken the Welsh side to 10th and the Championship, Brighton made their approach and Potter continued to build his reputation in his three years at the Amex Stadium.
The English coach has been described as innovator by those in the ownership group with Todd Boehly noting that his skills go beyond those on the pitch/
Todd Boehly, chairman, 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."
Behdad Eghbali and José E. Feliciano, co-controlling owners, said: "Graham is a football innovator and winner on the pitch and a leader off the pitch. He has deeply impressed us with his ideas and approach to football. We are thrilled to partner with Graham to build a winning team, one that embodies the culture of collaboration, innovation, teamwork, player development, and a commitment to excellence on and off the pitch. We are fortunate to have Graham and his team as our partners in that journey."
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