Chelsea Women's boss Emma Hayes has admitted her disappointment at seeing Graham Potter sacked, but insisted she fully backed the decision.
Potter's departure from Stamford Bridge was announced during the second-half of Hayes' side's win over Aston Villa Women on Sunday night. She had forged a close relationship with Potter since he replaced Thomas Tuchel as manager of the men's team.
The Englishman was even in attendance as Chelsea Women claimed a thrilling win over Lyon in the Women's Champions League last week. But he has now been fired having won just 12 games in all competitions since being appointed in September.
Hayes was quizzed on Potter's sacking following her side's win in the Midlands. She gave her full backing to owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali, despite admitting her disappointment at the decision.
"Obviously, I'm upset for Graham and the club too, I know everybody wanted to make it work. But if the owners feel they have to go in another direction, of course as always I support their decisions," Hayes told Sky Sports.
"I wish Graham the best and know with 10 games left to play in the Premier League, I'm sure the boys will do everything to get us back on track. I'm a manager and I'm always gutted when managers lose their jobs.
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"He's a top person and someone that you know, I'm disappointed and I haven't really quite digested it yet, having just heard the news."
The Blues came under fire for announcing Potter's sacking during the second-half of Chelsea Women's win over Villa. Boehly and Eghbali explained their decision to part company with Potter alongside the club's statement.
The co-controlling owners insisted they were both disappointed with how Potter's reign had ended. And they called on supporters to pull together, with a Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid to come.
"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," Boehly and Eghbali said.
"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."
