Chelsea new manager LIVE: Graham Potter appointed as new head coach

By the time that Graham Potter got to sit down with the Chelsea hierarchy, the talks were strikingly straightforward. Both sides had a clear vision of what they wanted. Chelsea have been considering Potter for weeks. They think he is precisely the personality profile they want, as well as a hugely promising manager. He has meanwhile outlined in detail what he can do with this squad.

The situation has been proceeding with such a speed, in fact, that it’s fair to wonder whether anyone involved has actually stopped to consider whether this is actually the right time.

Could Potter not just wait to try and give Brighton the brilliant season this promises to be? Could Chelsea not wait until he’s offered the proof of an achievement like that? Do the big six really have to go and snatch up anything interesting that comes from the depths below them? Should Potter not wait for a surer thing, and not a situation so unknown?

The reality is that there is almost never a perfect time or situation in football. One of Potter’s rivals for the job, in Mauricio Pochettino, could tell him that. So could Brendan Rodgers. Six months ago, the Leicester City manager would have been the obvious candidate. There is now talk of whether Brighton might suit him, as Chelsea are not even looking.

All of this discussion, as with everything now, is shaped by the economic framework of the modern game. It in this case sharpens a truth almost anyone can relate to. You often have to take these chances as they come.

Miguel Delaney on Graham Potter:

Chelsea have confirmed that “Potter will take charge of the team immediately”, so yes, we’ll be seeing him in the dugout at Craven Cottage this weekend.

His first team selection will naturally be of intrigue: N’Golo Kante is sidelined, while Edouard Mendy was missing in midweek due to a somewhat dubious-sounding injury after a...collision, let’s say, with Jarrod Bowen.

No clean sheets since the opening day of the season for Chelsea either.

Chelsea’s co-controlling owners Behdad Eghbali and Jose Feliciano have issued a joint-statement of their own after the appointment:

“Graham is a football innovator and winner on the pitch and a leader off the pitch. He has deeply impressed us with his ideas and approach to football. We are thrilled to partner with Graham to build a winning team, one that embodies the culture of collaboration, innovation, teamwork, player development, and a commitment to excellence on and off the pitch. We are fortunate to have Graham and his team as our partners in that journey.”

Todd Boehly, chairman and co-owner of Chelsea, had this to say on his first appointment as head coach:

“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.”

Graham Potter has spoken after being appointed the new boss at Stamford Bridge:

“I am incredibly proud and excited to represent Chelsea FC, 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 my sincere thanks to Brighton & Hove Albion 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.”

Chelsea have appointed Graham Potter as their new head coach.

The Englishman has signed a five-year deal at Stamford Bridge and will take charge of his first match on Saturday lunchtime against Fulham.

The Blues have turned to the Brighton tactician to replace Thomas Tuchel, who was dismissed on Wednesday morning following defeat to Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League.

The Blues met Potter’s £16m release clause as compensation to Brighton, who see their talented coach depart after three years.

Potter took charge of Brighton in 2019 and has since revolutionised the brand of football on the south coast, guiding the Seagulls to a ninth-placed finish in the Premier League last season.

More here on the Blues’ appointment:

Chelsea have confirmed the deal is complete - Thomas Tuchel’s replacement is Graham Potter.

A five-year deal is confirmed - more to follow.

Chelsea steadfastly ignoring our desire for them to #announcePotter and instead reshowing Koulibaly’s howitzer against Tottenham, nominated for goal of the month.

Since that fine start he has been sent-off against Leeds, banned against Leicester and failed to keep a clean sheet against Saints or West Ham.

Let’s take a quick look back at the transfer work the Blues have done - do they all suit Potter? There surely aren’t question marks over five of them, and even the other two are probably good additions for Potter to work with given his ability to improve individuals.

Wesley Fofana (£75m), Marc Cucurella (£60m), Raheem Sterling (£50m), Kalidou Koulibaly (£35m), Carney Chukuemeka (£20m), Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£12m), Denis Zakaria (loan).

There’s also Gabriel Slonina for the long term, back with Chicago on loan, but maybe midfielder Chuckuemeka might be feeling happy at having a coach known to develop young central players in particular.

And what might Graham Potter have made of Timo Werner, we could wonder?

“We want to follow the Liverpool model, have an integrated system, let the coach have all that power...then sack him.”

Jonathan Wilson is unimpressed by the lack of continuity in decision-making at Stamford Bridge this summer.