Brighton and Hove Albion supporters have told Graham Potter that he will be 'sacked in the morning' upon his return to the Amex Stadium for Chelsea's clash with the Seagulls. The Blues were left blown away by the Seagulls, with Roberto De Zerbi's side leading 3-0 at the break.
Potter swapped the south coast for west London in September after Thomas Tuchel was dismissed following the west Londoners' defeat to Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League group stage opener. The 47-year-old, who penned a five-year deal at Stamford Bridge, asked fans for forgiveness upon his unveiling as Chelsea's head coach.
In an open letter published on the Seagulls' website, the former Brighton boss said he cherishes 'three wonderful years' at the club and accepted that some supporters would not be able to forgive him. He wrote: "This has been three wonderful years with a club that has changed my life, and I want to take a moment to say goodbye to all of you who have made it such a special period of my career.
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"I bid farewell to a great club and one that will always mean so much to me and my family. For some, I recognise that the change that comes so suddenly in football can be hard to accept," Potter added. "I may not be able to persuade you all to forgive my departure – but I would at least like to take the chance to say thank you."
Despite Potter's apology, Brighton fans don't seem to have taken his exit well and are still licking their wounds. As the Blues boss stepped off the coach after arriving at the Amex Stadium, he was met with some heckling and a handful of pantomime boos.
Speaking to football.london ahead of the clash, Potter previewed the bout and spoke of his joy in returning to Brighton. He said: "These things happen in football. Sometimes life throws you opportunities, and you have to take them or not.
"Timing wasn't great for anybody, but sometimes that happens, and it's about the decision. The decision to work here was too good to turn down.
"As for the crowd, what my expectations are, I don't really have any. Most people I've spoken to from Brighton have been very supportive and thankful, but I'm not naive. I know that's not universal."
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