CHELSEA released a comprehensive statement after confirming the sacking of Graham Potter.
Potter was only hired in September in replace of Champions League winner Thomas Tuchel.
But the ex-Brighton boss lasted just six months, leaving the Blues languishing 11th in the Premier League and on a dismal run.
Potter’s departure was announced by the club in a 199-word statement with Bruno Saltor to take charge in an interim role.
It read: “Chelsea FC has announced that Graham Potter has departed the club.
“Graham has agreed to collaborate with the Club to facilitate a smooth transition.
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“In his time with the club, Graham has taken us to the quarter final of the Champions League, where we will face Real Madrid.
“Chelsea would like to thank Graham for all his efforts and contribution and wish him well for the future.”
Co-controlling owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali said: “On behalf of everyone at the club, we want to thank Graham sincerely for his contribution to Chelsea.
“We have the highest degree of respect for Graham as a coach and as a person.
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“He has always conducted himself with professionalism and integrity and we are all disappointed in this outcome.
“Along with our incredible fans, we will all be getting behind Bruno and the team as we focus on the rest of the season.
“We have 10 Premier League games remaining and a Champions League quarter final ahead.
“We will put every effort and commitment into every one of those games so that we can end the season on a high.”
Chelsea sunk to a 2-0 defeat at home to Aston Villa on Saturday, their TENTH loss of the season.
And despite the Stamford Bridge board showing faith to Potter and his project in the past – to the tune of over £600million in the transfer marker – enough proved enough.
Julian Nagelsmann – sacked by Bayern Munich and replaced by Tuchel – is an early frontrunner to take over despite interest from Tottenham.
Meanwhile former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino is another alternative alongside Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
