When Chelsea appointed Graham Potter in September 2022, it indicated a commitment to fulfilling a long-term vision for the future of the club.
Co-owner Todd Boehly had sacked Thomas Tuchel in order to hire Potter, with the indicators being that the new American majority shareholder was dedicated to delivering a long-term plan at Stamford Bridge. However, with over £323 million spent in January on new signings there was inevitably short-term pressure to deliver.
Just three wins in all competitions in 2023 made Potter's position untenable, with Boehly taking the decision along with the rest of the Chelsea board to relieve the former Brighton boss of his duties. The decision will not have been made lightly, but with the expectation of a long-term future under Potter, there will have been some understandable confusion among Blues fans.
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Potter was appointed on September 8, signing a five-year deal. His arrival was a source of excitement given the impressive work he had done in three seasons as Brighton manager, a spell which had originally begun with a tough 2019-20 campaign before facilitating a rise to the top half of the Premier League table.
Boehly's statement after Potter arrival's was one that hinted at a long-term partnership - but less than seven months later Chelsea have wielded the axe.
Boehly said at the time: "We are thrilled to bring Graham to Chelsea. He is a proven coach and an innovator in the Premier League who fits our vision for the Club. Not only is he extremely talented on the pitch, he has skills and capabilities that extend beyond the pitch which will make Chelsea a more successful Club.
"He has had a major impact at his previous Clubs and we look forward to his positive impact at Chelsea. We look forward to supporting him, his coaching team and the squad in realising their full potential in the coming months and years."
Potter had appeared to embody the new culture at Chelsea, but the club will now inevitably take a change of approach with the Champions League still up for grabs over the final two months of the season.
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