Graham Potter: "One of the most exciting coaches" takes over Chelsea
That Chelsea FC prefers Graham Potter to an internationally known star coach as Thomas Tuchel's successor may come as a surprise. But there are good reasons for the choice.
The fast pace of the football business has added a victim: Thomas Tuchel, the man who helped Chelsea FC win the Champions League last year, is history after just 18 months in charge. Various differences of opinion between the German and the club management led by Tedd Boehly are also likely to have played a role in the separation. By the way, you can place bets on sports here, cricketbetting10.in.
The fact that the Blues presented Graham Potter as his successor just one day after Tuchel's dismissal suggests not only that the top English club must have been considering a leave of absence for its former successful coach for some time. But also that Potter has apparently been in the Londoners' sights for some time. And that's despite the fact that it's traditional for big clubs to look for stars, both on the pitch and on the sidelines.
But the acquisition did not come about by chance, as the internationally not yet very well-known manager has long since made a real name for himself among those in the know. Potter, whose family name inevitably evokes magical associations, has achieved almost magical things with his previous clubs.
Until recently, the 47-year-old coached Brighton & Hove Albion, establishing the Seagulls as a fixture in the Premier League since taking charge in 2019. Currently, the southerners occupy a strong fourth place in arguably the strongest football league in the world. He previously made a splash as coach of Swansea City and, most notably, on the bench of Swedish club Östersunds FK.
A breakthrough in Sweden
When Potter took over as head coach in January 2011, the club was struggling in Sweden's fourth division. Within five years, the Englishman had made it through to the Fotbollsallsvenskan, the country's highest division. In 2017, he won the Swedish Cup with Östersund, sensationally qualified for the Europa League group stage after victories over Galatasaray and Paok Saloniki, and even made it to the round of 16. Although he lost out to Arsenal, he made his first real mark in his home country. Especially since his underdog team had even won 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium.
The fact that Potter has been linked with the job of England coach is probably also due to his impressive tactical flexibility. He does not dogmatically adhere to his basic idea of dominant, possession-centered football; quick counterattacks are also part of his repertoire. "One of the most exciting coaches," as Chelsea FC aptly described him in its media release on the signing, has an extraordinary grasp of the game and can react to opposing teams' match plans with lightning speed.
When Chelsea came knocking on Potter's door, Brighton had to let his successful coach go with a heavy heart: He had an exit clause of around 14 million euros. Whether Potter can steer the lurching top club Chelsea back onto a successful course remains to be seen. After six rounds, the Blues are in sixth place, which is too little for the club's management in view of the 282 million euros spent on transfers.