Chelsea players have largely been conspicuous in their silence since the sacking of Graham Potter with barely a handful of public messages sent their former manager’s way.
Popular managerial departures can prompt an outpouring of gratitude from the players left behind but it is perhaps telling that the 47-year-old’s seven-month tenure has led to a large portion of the Blues squad keeping shtum.
Following Potter’s sacking on Sunday night, Ben Chilwell became the first senior star to publicly respond with an Instagram post of his embrace with the coach during Chelsea’s win over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, captioned: “Thank you gaffer.”
Marc Cucurella shortly followed with a message wishing “best of luck for the future” to his old boss at Brighton.
Young players Noni Madueke and Armando Broja also posted on Instagram thanking Potter for his role in their short careers.
The messages were in contrast to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Denis Zakaria, who ‘liked’ Chelsea’s social media post confirming Potter’s sacking.
The Blues are quickly back in action on Tuesday night with the visit of Liverpool in the Premier League.
Potter’s former assistant, Bruno Saltor, takes charge of the team at Stamford Bridge with only the manager and coach Billy Reid departing on Sunday night.
