Chelsea legend Gus Poyet has backed Graham Potter in his decision to replace Thomas Tuchel and accept Todd Boehly's approach for head coach role.
The Blues announced the Englishman as the new head coach on Thursday afternoon after firing Tuchel the day before. After a 1-0 defeat in the Champions League to Dinamo Zagreb the decision was made for the German to be replaced.
Brighton granted Chelsea permission to begin talks with Potter and an agreement was swiftly met.
The 47-year-old has agreed to a five-year deal at Stamford Bridge and is looking forward to representing the side.
Advert
While he has never managed a top-level team competing in the Champions League, he was favoured over other options such as Mauricio Pochettino.
The hope is for Potter to bring fresh ideas to the club as the new owners strive to create a new culture at Chelsea.
With a new head coach at the helm, the players will be handed another opportunity to impress and build good relations with the boss.
There was reportedly rather a lot of tension between some of the players and Tuchel so Potter will have to ensure he manages this.
While there was a good project at Brighton that Potter was in control of, he opted to make the switch to west London.
Former Chelsea midfielder, Gus Poyet has given his view on Potter's decision.
Speaking to Midnite, he said: "I heard people say 'Potter needs to think if it's the right time'. He doesn't need to think twice, when Chelsea come knocking on your door, there's no bad or wrong time, you need to take the opportunity."
He continued: "Obviously you need to discuss the staff, length of contract, the termination of the contract, but if you are happy to join, you must take the job.
"It's a big challenge, it's the right time for him, unfortunately for Brighton.
"Let's hope Chelsea give him time, especially in the football and identity side.
"They need to win because they are Chelsea, but it's a new group, new manager, no pre-season."
Potter will likely take charge of his first game on Wednesday night against Red Bull Salzburg after Saturday's match against Fulham was cancelled.
Chelsea handed double Government & UEFA update over fixtures against FC Salzburg and Liverpool
Poyet continued: "Potter knows what he signed up for. All of us managers think we are prepared to manage Real Madrid tomorrow if needed, but we don't know how to handle it - when you start dealing with the chairman, with the owner, with the pressure of constantly winning trophies.
"Remember, Chelsea is a team that needs to win trophies, and they did not win any domestic ones last year.
"We've seen in the past, coaches who have won the Premier League or the double, if they don't perform the following season, they are out."
Topics: Chelsea, Todd Boehly, Premier League
Sam Collins