Graham Potter has spoken about his departure from Chelsea, expressing a mixture of “frustration and anger” at the way his tenure ended.
However, the former manager maintains that he does not regret accepting this difficult position.
Potter was sacked from his role at Stamford Bridge in April 2023 after a disappointing seven months in charge of the club, despite signing a 5-year contract.
The abrupt end came after the Blues paid a £20m buyout clause to secure his services from Brighton & Hove Albion.
The 49-year-old was the first appointed manager under the new ownership of Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, where he was tasked with the monumental challenge of restructuring a team in transition after a £500m spending spree over the of the first two transfer windows.
Graham Potter’s challenges at Chelsea
Unfortunately, he has struggled to achieve the results he expected, only managing to win seven of his 22 Premier League matches.
The timing of his dismissal is particularly disheartening, as it deprived him of the opportunity to lead the team against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final.
« I worked very, very hard to get this type of opportunity. It was about choosing the right opportunity (after the work done at Brighton). And I didn’t choose the wrong one, it just didn’t work.
I have no regrets about doing it, but, at the same time, when someone loses their job, there is an element of frustration, anger and perhaps bitterness at some point. “, Potter told the Telegraph.
The manager acknowledged the immense pressure that has accompanied the club’s significant investment in new players.
« If you spend £300m the pressure on the team increases », Confided the English manager.
He also stressed the need for patience when integrating many players from outside the Premier League, referring to big-money signings like Enzo Fernandez, Mykhailo Mudryk, Benoit Badiashile and Noni Madueke.
« If you spend £300m the pressure on the team increases. If I had spent that money on Harry Kane and Declan Rice it would be completely normal, but at the time that was the decision that was made “, he added.
The size of the team also posed logistical problems, with some reports suggesting that some players had to change in the hallway and sit on the floor during team meetings.
Potter’s future plans
Despite his difficult departure from Chelsea, the England manager remained in high demand, reportedly declining the opportunity to manage Ajax, saying the time was not right for him.
He was also considered for the role of England national team manager, replacing Gareth Southgate who left the Three Lions after their disappointment at Euro 2024.
Although he does not rule out a possible return to Brighton in the future, Graham Potter is currently focused on finding the right opportunity to continue his managerial career.
