Chelsea have confirmed that Graham Potter has "departed the club" on Sunday evening, with Newcastle United set to come up against a new head coach when they take on the Blues in the final game of the Premier League season.
Potter's time at the Stamford Bridge club came to an end after a miserable run of form left Chelsea sat 11th in the table. A 2-0 defeat at home to Aston Villa proved to be the final nail in the coffin for the former Brighton head coach having only won three times in the top-flight this calendar year.
A club statement read: "Chelsea FC has announced that Graham Potter has departed the club. Graham has agreed to collaborate with the Club to facilitate a smooth transition.
"In his time with the club, Graham has taken us to the quarter final of the Champions League, where we will face Real Madrid. Chelsea would like to thank Graham for all his efforts and contribution and wish him well for the future."
The Blues confirmed that former Brighton man Bruno Saltor - who followed Potter from to the capital from the south coast as part of his coaching staff - will take charge of the team as Interim Head Coach, with no timeline yet given as to how long he will be at the helm for.
ALSO READ: Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer makes '7-0' claim after Manchester United victory
A joint statement from co-controlling owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali added: "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."
READ NEXT
Newcastle United 2-0 Manchester United: Magnificent Mags climb into third place
Newcastle United supporters send 'real deal' warning to top four rivals after Man United victory
- Newcastle United owners react after latest financial figures show £70.7m loss
- Newcastle United financial accounts show £70m loss but provide positivity for the future