Chelsea have set a date for when they hope to appoint a new sporting director and Graham Potter is expected to have a major role in the decision.
The new owners have made several major personnel decisions this summer which has seen the likes of Bruce Buck, Marina Granovskaia, Petr Cech and Guy Lawrence depart Chelsea.
But most recently, Thomas Tuchel was the next to be axed by Todd Boehly and Co after he was relieved of his duties as Head Coach on Wednesday morning.
Advert
Tuchel was believed to not be the man to lead Chelsea forward in the new era with the owners wanting the next appointment to share their vision for a change in club culture and approach.
That led them to turn their attention to Brighton’s Graham Potter. They quickly approached Brighton for permission to speak to the 47-year-old and within 24 hours all but wrapped up an agreement to make him their next Head Coach.
On Thursday afternoon, Potter was confirmed as the club’s new head coach on a five-year contract which is worth £60 million.
Advert
Potter has brought five backroom staff with him to Stamford Bridge, and with more involvement with the Chelsea hierarchy, Potter is set to be involved in a major club decision.
Chelsea are yet to appoint a sporting director but the wheels are in motion to find someone to fill the role.
Advert
As reported by Adam Newson of Football.London, the owners expect to have someone in the role ahead of the World Cup in November.
Potter is set to be heavily involved in the decision with the Blues looking long-term.
It is the club’s ‘primary objective’ to secure a ‘world-class sporting director’, as reported by The Independent, with the club speaking to a select group of candidates for the role.
Advert
Potter’s interview with the club convinced them he was the right man for the Head Coach job after he showed ‘willingness to work in a project that brings playing talent, technical quality and analytics together’
The 47-year-old expressed his willingness in his first statement since joining Chelsea of partnering with the new ownership.
He said: “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.
Advert
“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.”
Matthew Debono