Graham Potter is expected to be Chelsea’s next head coach with confidence growing in the club’s pursuit of the current Brighton manager, according to reports.
Chelsea had their approach for permission to speak to Potter accepted by Brighton after confirming the sacking of Thomas Tuchel.
“Chelsea Football Club has today parted company with Head Coach Thomas Tuchel,” a club statement read on Wednesday morning following the club’s 1-0 defeat to Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League on Tuesday evening.
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“On behalf of everyone at Chelsea FC, the Club would like to place on record its gratitude to Thomas and his staff for all their efforts during their time with the Club.
"Thomas will rightly have a place in Chelsea’s history after winning the Champions League, the Super Cup and Club World Cup in his time here.
As the new ownership group reaches 100 days since taking over the Club, and as it continues its hard work to take the club forward, the new owners believe it is the right time to make this transition.
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“Chelsea’s coaching staff will take charge of the team for training and the preparation of our upcoming matches as the Club moves swiftly to appoint a new head coach.
“There will be no further comment until a new head coach appointment is made.”
A move has been made swiftly for Potter with Chelsea reported to be ready to pay the compensation fee required to land the 47-year-old.
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Revealed: What Chelsea players thought of Thomas Tuchel after Blues opt to sack head coach
Talks are being held with co-owner Todd Boehly on Wednesday afternoon which saw the current Brighton boss travel to London for discussions.
Now Nathan Gissing reports that confidence is growing at Chelsea and Potter is now expected to be the club’s next head coach should everything go according to plan.
Potter was at Brighton’s team photo on Wednesday morning for the 2022/23 campaign, and midfielder Alexis Mac Allister remained coy on Potter’s future down on the south coast.
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He told Sky Sports: “For sure (he is among the elite coaches in world football), he will be an amazing coach.
Why Chelsea decided to sack Thomas Tuchel despite £270 million transfer backing
“Hopefully he will stay here all his life but, at the same time, we know that will be difficult, but he is really important for us as a club.”
“I don’t know anything. We didn’t speak about any situation. The boss is really important for us, we want him to be here for a long time.”
Chelsea face Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon and hope to announce Tuchel's successor by the time they travel to Craven Cottage.
Topics: Chelsea, Football, Premier League
Matthew Debono