Graham Potter has been sacked as Chelsea head coach following a largely unimpressive reign. The decision comes after the Blues were beaten 2-0 by Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday, April 1
The 47-year-old swapped the Amex Stadium for Stamford Bridge in September to replace Thomas Tuchel, with five of his Brighton and Hove Albion colleagues going on to join him at the Cobham training ground.
Potter, who signed a five-year deal at the club, enjoyed a promising start to life at Chelsea by going nine games unbeaten.
READ MORE: Graham Potter refuses 'Didier Drogba or Diego Costa' transfer demand as Chelsea future uncertain
Then, after he lost 4-1 to his former side, the Englishman would guide the Blues to just two wins in nine games. Potter was quickly under immense pressure to transform the clubs fortunes but, with his back against the wall, he struggled to turn things around.
A statement from the club reads: "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."
Co-controlling owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali said: '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.'
Unfortunately, the news about Potter does not come as a surprise to Chelsea supporters, who have cast doubt of his future for some time now.
Julian Nagelsmann is the favourite to replace the now-departed Potter, football.london understands. Luis Enrique is also among the early favourites to be appointed as next permanent Blues head coach but, as it stands, it remains to be seen who replaces the Englishman.
READ NEXT:
Chelsea drop Graham Potter contingency plan hint as Todd Boehly 'appreciates' Julian Nagelsmann
'Sacked in the morning' - National media react to Chelsea loss as Graham Potter future uncertain
Mason Mount makes Chelsea stance clear with emotional gesture amid Graham Potter fury
Graham Potter tipped to be sacked by Chelsea after Aston Villa loss with Julian Nagelsmann call
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news and views from Stamford Bridge
