Chelsea have confirmed that Brighton cult hero Bruno Saltor will take the reins on an interim basis after the departure of Graham Potter.
The Englishman was confirmed to be leaving Stamford Bridge on Sunday evening in the aftermath of the Blues’ 2-0 home defeat to Aston Villa. A statement from co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali read: “On behalf of everyone at the club, we want to thank Graham sincerely for his contribution to Chelsea.
“We have the highest degree of respect for Graham as a coach and as a person. He has always conducted himself with professionalism and integrity and we are all disappointed in this outcome.
“Along with our incredible fans, we will all be getting behind Bruno and the team as we focus on the rest of the season. We have 10 Premier League games remaining and a Champions League quarter final ahead. We will put every effort and commitment into every one of those games so that we can end the season on a high.”
Bruno’s stint in charge represents the first managerial role in football of his career. He had initially joined Potter in West London following his appointment back in September.
The Spaniard had previously been acting as a senior player development coach at the AMEX Stadium ahead of moving to Chelsea - a role he had held since June 2019. Bruno enjoyed a lengthy career with the Seagulls over what was a hugely successful stint with the club.
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He initially arrived at Brighton in 2012 from Spanish side Valencia. The right-back went on to make 235 appearances for the side.
He was named in the Championship PFA Team of the Year for the 2015/16 and 2016/17 campaigns and played a pivotal role in Brighton’s promotion to the Premier League in the latter season. Bruno made 39 Premier League appearances over two seasons before deciding to hang up his boots in 2019.
Speaking last year after leaving Brighton for Chelsea, he said: "I don’t know where to start, I don’t know what to say. I’m heartbroken, probably like some of you. I have the same feeling that when I left home at 14 to chase my dream. Sure about my decision but broken inside.
"What YOU; players, staff at the Amex, staff at the training ground, Fans, and Community have given me it’s unforgettable. THANK YOU. What these 10 years has shown me it’s that truly Football it’s more than 90 minutes. Of all the unimportant things, Football it’s the most important.
"I’ve given my heart and soul for this Club and I would like to think that I have helped to leave Brighton and Hove Albion in a better place when I arrived. There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are you will always be in my heart. Your amigo, Bruno."
