Chelsea pin hopes on Potter's wizardry as he succeeds Tuchel

Graham Potter has vowed to develop a team and culture Chelsea fans can be proud of after being appointed as Thomas Tuchel's replacement.

The Blues moved quickly for Potter after dropping the axe on Tuchel yesterday following the 1-0 defeat to Dinamo Zagreb. 

That abject Champions League display on Tuesday night saw the German bow out on a low in a tournament he led the Blues to glory in back in 2020-21. 

Potter, 47, agreed to take the reins at Stamford Bridge after Chelsea paid the release clause in his Brighton contract.

Having signed a five-year deal, the new Blues boss said: "I am incredibly proud and excited to represent this fantastic football club.

"I am very excited to partner with Chelsea’s new ownership group and look forward to meeting and working with the exciting group of players and to develop a team and culture that our amazing fans can be proud of.

"I would also like to place [on record] my sincere thanks to Brighton for allowing me this opportunity and in particular Tony Bloom and all the players, staff and supporters for their continued support during my time at the club."

Blues chairman Todd Boehly added: "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."

With Brighton sitting fourth in the Premier League, Bloom could not hide his sadness at losing his head coach but paid tribute to Potter's achievements at the Amex Stadium.  

The Seagulls chairman said: "I am very disappointed that Graham will be leaving us.

"He has done exceptionally well over the past three-and-a-bit seasons, he is an exceptional head coach and an exceptional person.

"He will be hugely missed at our football club.

"He leaves an excellent legacy for his successor with the club in its highest ever position and on the back of leading us to our highest finish in the club’s history last season."

Potter's first game in charge of Chelsea will be a London derby at neighbours Fulham on Saturday lunchtime.